Some of Durango Police Department Chief Current’s remarks in the article (Herald, April 6) about the DeFlock Durango proposed ordinance are disingenuous at best. There was plenty of video evidence of the murder of two protesters by ICE in South Minneapolis, the neighborhood in which I grew up.
He says video evidence is gathered for serving justice. Humbug! Many videos surfaced that showed exactly what occurred in both the Renee Good and Alex Pretti killings. Minnesota has had to sue the Trump administration for withholding evidence and blocking cooperation in these cases. And in the case of the injured man, Julio C. Sosa-Celis, against whom felony charges were dropped, video evidence is still coming to light.
The proposed DeFlock Durango ordinance gives the DPD leeway to use the information cameras gather in instances of immediate public safety concern, or the apprehension of criminals in or near Durango, without warrants or prior approval. Safeguards against abuse of law-abiding citizens, as the U.S. moves ever forward into an AI surveillance state, are appropriate.
I remember when the phrase “the police officer is your friend” was popular. Is it still so?
Christopher Meyer
Durango
