Medford Police Chief Denies Spying on Innocent Political Activists and Individuals
MEDFORD, Ore. — The Medford Police Department (MPD) denies spying on political groups and individuals by gathering information from social media accounts, so breaching ORS 181A.250, a state law that prohibits law enforcement agencies from taking part in such activities unless their reasons are ‘directly related to criminal investigations.’
The lawsuit against MPD was lodged yesterday (Tuesday) in the Jackson County Circuit Court by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), accusing the police of monitoring accounts on social media platforms to create files against groups and individuals who are not under suspicion suspected of criminal activities.
The MPD is Building Secret Files
The ACLU claims that MPD is building secret files against people and organizations who are advocating for the rights of drug users and homeless people, support LGBTQ+ rights, are pro-abortion rights, and oppose the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police.
Responding to the claims by the ACLU, the MPD issued a statement in which they claimed they collected information for security reasons and not to cast judgment on the personal beliefs held by individuals. As such, the MPD says it is not in breach of ORS 181A.250.
The MPD says the information gathered was intended to address problems such as breaches of the peace, risks of damage to property and violent conflicts between protesters and counter-protesters, as well as traffic disruptions.
Social Media Information is Publicly Accessible, says MPD
Medford Police Chief Justin Ivens says his force ‘upholds the constitutional rights of citizens’ and points out that information on social media platforms is publicly accessible. Social media surveillance ensures the MPD’s ability to handle safety concerns ‘while safeguarding those exercising their constitutional right to freedom of speech.’
The ACLU says it has filed the lawsuit on behalf of their clients, Rogue Valley Pepper Shakers, Stabbin Wagon, and a former executive of Stabbin Wagon, Melissa Jones. The complainants are progressive political activists and members of mutual aid groups who care for neighbors in need. They contend that the MPD is abusing its power to spy on activists whose views they oppose.
The lawsuit seeks not monetary compensation but a court order to prevent the police from continuing their social media surveillance activities.
This is the USA! Where citizens fought the king, so we could travel the kings Highway , without being stopped or spied / monitored. We are losing our Constitutional and Bill of Rights freedom. License plate readers and this abuse & invasion of privacy, are wrong.
rogue valley pepper shakers and the stabbin wagon?…..just the names sound nefarious. MPD need to step up their game in protecting businesses if Trump wins. The hired left wing radicals will throw their baby fits and will most likely destroy property and possibly hurt someone. keep up the good work MPD and keep us safe!