A California government intelligence center advised police to watch for “suspicious behavior” from people opposing Flock surveillance cameras at city council meetings, according to a bulletin obtained by 404 Media through a public records request. The Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center, a fusion center that shares threat information with law enforcement, issued the warning to police in July. It says that while there were “no specific and credible threats found” related to the meetings, officers should still watch for signs of “suspicious activity,” including “excessive clothing,” “unusual questions or behavior,” and “unattended bags or packages.”
The bulletin goes further, listing ordinary features of public participation as possible “public safety risks.” Those include large turnout exceeding room capacity, emotional confrontations, counterdemonstrations, media presence, social media amplification, and disruption of council proceedings. It also notes that anti-surveillance organizers may have been emboldened by the Los Angeles Police Department ending its Flock contract, which could increase pressure on other city councils.
404 Media notes that this is the latest example of police being told to be on edge during public meetings where people exercise First Amendment rights. The outlet has previously reported on arrests at city council meetings over minor procedural violations or cursing while discussing Flock and other surveillance issues. The bulletin itself ends by saying the center “safeguards” First Amendment rights and only reports on such activity for “operational planning,” though the warning makes clear that protected participation is itself being treated as a potential security concern.