From AI to drones, Redmond police chief builds a high-tech department in Microsoft’s backyard

Summary:

Redmond Police Department, located near Microsoft’s headquarters, has deployed AI-powered surveillance cameras, facial recognition drones, and real-time crime prediction software. Triggered by rising tech-powered crime and access to corporate partnerships, this initiative uses ShotSpotter gunfire detection, automated license plate scanners, and Microsoft Azure cloud analytics. While improving response times by 40%, it raises concerns about mass surveillance in public spaces and algorithmic bias. Public debates intensified after drones incorrectly identified 17 civilians as suspects during a 2023 protest.

What This Means for You:

• Impact: Your public movements may be tracked by drones/AI without consent
• Fix: Review police department transparency reports monthly
• Security: Assume license plate scans log your location history
• Warning: Earlier facial recognition systems misidentified people of color 35x more often (Harvard Study)

Solutions:

Solution 1: Demand Public Oversight Boards

Redmond citizens can petition for Civilian Surveillance Review Boards with power to audit algorithms. Washington State law permits residents to require third-party bias testing of police AI under Public Records Act requests (RCW 42.56).

Command: File oversight request - redmond.gov/police-tech-transparency

Solution 2: Implement Sunset Clauses

Require automatic deactivation of surveillance tech unless reapproved yearly. Since 2023, California police drones require public hearings every 6 months (AB-481). Template legislation exists via ACLU’s CCOPS framework.

Command: Use Municipal Code Petition Tool - copstracker.org/washington

Solution 3: Compensation Standard for False IDs

Redmond PD’s policy lacks restitution for wrongful AI identifications. Push for $5k minimum compensation per misidentification incident, mirroring Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). Document via bodycam footage requests.

Command: Request ID error report - PDF Form PD-219 at Redmond stations

Solution 4: White-Hat Hacker Audits

Microsoft engineers propose ethical hacking programs to test system vulnerabilities. Bug bounties ($500-$5k per exploit found) could reveal training data flaws before real-world harm occurs.

Command: Join MSFT Responsible Tech Hub - aka.ms/RedmondPDTechFeedback

People Also Ask:

• Q: Can police drones film my backyard? A: Only below 400ft with warrant (FAA Part 107 Rule)
• Q: Does Microsoft profit from police tech? A: Indirectly via Azure cloud contracts ($3.2M in 2023)
• Q: Can AI reduce police shootings? A: Possibly – predictive de-escalation systems lowered use-of-force by 22% in test cities
• Q: How to check if I’m in crime database? A: Request your RAP sheet through SPU-600 form

Protect Yourself:

• Opt-out of ShotSpotter home alerts via mail-in form PD-880
• Legally blur your house on police drones: submit LAT/LON to DRONEPRIV@redmond.gov
• Use IR LED hats/glasses to disrupt facial recognition (legal per 9th Circuit ruling)
• Request ALPR data deletion every 90 days (US v. Yang precedent)

Expert Take:

“While thermal drones saved 4 lives in 2023 Redmond floods, unregulated emotion-detection AI lacks scientific validity and amplifies racial profiling risks” – Dr. Melissa Brown, UW Surveillance Ethics Lab

Tags:

• Police facial recognition laws Washington State
• How to opt-out of ShotSpotter surveillance
• Redmond drone privacy complaints
• Microsoft Azure law enforcement contracts
• Police AI bias audit requirements
• Protest surveillance tech rights

*Featured image via source

Edited by 4idiotz Editorial System