NYC lawmakers to approve new guidelines for NYPD’s use of surveillance technology

New York City police could soon be required to disclose more information about how they use surveillance technology, including whom they track and with whom they share intel.

City Councilmembers are set to pass three bills Thursday establishing new standards for the NYPD’s use of technology like facial recognition and drones. The measures follow reports in recent years that the NYPD has been ramping up its use of such tech and not being fully transparent about why and how officials are deploying it.

"The NYPD has made it clear they will not regulate themselves," Councilmember Jennifer Gutiérrez, chair of the Council's technology committee, said in a statement. "Time and again, we’ve seen a pattern of secrecy, noncompliance, and disregard for public input. ... These bills are a direct response to that lack of accountability, and they’re a necessary step toward protecting New Yorkers from unchecked surveillance and abuse."

One bill, which was introduced by Councilmember Crystal Hudson of Brooklyn, would compel the department to create a written policy on how it plans to implement facial recognition software. The policy would need to be publicly posted online.

Another bill, introduced by Councilmember Julie Won of Queens, would update the 2020 Public Oversight of Surveillance Technology, or POST, Act to help ensure the NYPD is using the tech in the public’s interest. The legislation would require police to publish procedures on sharing intel with outside agencies and track what data is shared.

A third bill, sponsored by Councilmember Amanda Farías of the Bronx, would require the NYPD to produce reports on its surveillance tech at the request of the city Department of Investigation, a watchdog agency. This bill would also update the POST Act.

The NYPD did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the proposals, and a spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams said his office was reviewing them. At a City Council hearing in February, police officials testified that they did not “in principle” oppose publicly disclosing more data on their use of facial recognition technology. They said two of the bills could lead to burdensome reporting requirements, but noted the NYPD had been discussing potential changes to the POST Act with advocacy groups and already provides its facial recognition policy on its website.

Over the past two years, Gothamist has reported that the NYPD has significantly increased its drone use to monitor protests and other large events as well as respond to emergencies. In 2022, an NYPD inspector general audit found the department’s surveillance program lacked transparency despite disclosure laws. And in the early 2000s, city police drew national attention for improperly monitoring Muslim people and communities after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The bills are scheduled to be voted out of committee Thursday and will likely be approved by the full Council later in the day.

This story has been updated with additional information.