MA: Mideast Surveillance Safeguard Act (Debating)

[PPT Spiral]

I would support an amendment changing "law enforcement" to something like "regional police forces" or "regional law enforcement."

I'm also concerned about the legal definition of law enforcement. Do we have one?

I believe that we've referenced law enforcement in previous bills. There's nothing different that separates the definition and their responsibilities from real life from what I know. I like your amendment idea, though, so I'll bring that up right now:

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[PPT Spiral]

Why should we restrict surveillance of publicly viewable areas?

With the advancement of drone technology, the field opens up more opportunities for law enforcement to use them for surveillance. Much like we've seen with the revelations on the government overseeing all communications, there is opportunity for data mining and collecting profiles of people on all of their activities, from what friends they visit to where they eat out. Information can be gathered and stored away even for those who aren't reported for any suspicious behavior. Police abuse is very real and can be seen across the country, so I believe that it's proper for the Mideast to take action and install some legal safeguards so that instances of abuse can be greatly reduced. I think it's permissible to have some sort of surveillance so long as it's done for a good reason.

[PPT Spiral]

I am sympathetic towards the motivations behind this bill. I am, however, concerned that restricting the use of UAVs could negatively affect the effectiveness of the regional law enforcement authorities in certain cases. I just want to ensure that the police are able to obtain a warrant to use UAVs in a reasonable period of time when necessary.

Do you have any ideas for amendments in mind that will make you fully comfortable with this bill?

[PPT Spiral]

What sorts of things are UAV's used for surveillance for currently?

Although they're still mostly for military purposes, there's increasingly more civil uses for them. Policing is a big one; UAVs scout for those who seem out of line and who may be regarded as suspicious by authorities. They may even be used for things such as road patrol, oversight of natural land (such as for valuable energy sources), or filmmaking.

Anyway, I believe that this is long due for a final vote by this point, before the session is adjourned.