City Council Speakers Receive Unsettling Calls from HPD Before Speaking Out Against Department's Surveillance Policies
Several Houston city council members have come forward alleging that they received threatening phone calls from the Houston Police Department (HPD) before speaking out against the department's invasive surveillance policies. The speakers, who had registered to address specific issues with HPD's camera systems, traffic stops, and relationship with federal immigration authorities, claim that the calls were meant to intimidate them into silencing their concerns.
According to Alondra Andrade, one of the council members who received a call from HPD, the officer on the other end tried to convince her that the policies were necessary. However, she argued that this was an attempt to extend the department's surveillance system and silence opposition. "Although this was just a phone call and minor in some eyes," Andrade said, "it is an extension of that surveillance system."
Another council member, Carolyn Evans Shabazz, echoed similar sentiments, stating that no one should be called to intimidate anyone, especially when speaking out against their department's actions. "People are calling from my office, council members, and certainly the mayor's office," she said. "But, no one is to call and intimidate anyone. I was assured by the mayor's chief of staff that it would be addressed, and that is unacceptable."
The incident has raised concerns about the Houston Police Department's willingness to engage in intimidation tactics against individuals who dare to speak out against their policies. It also highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency within government agencies.
As one speaker aptly put it, "How many of you have read '1984' by George Orwell? Cool... So, I got a phone call today from HPD." The Orwellian theme is fitting, given that the HPD's actions seem to be eerily reminiscent of the dystopian novel's themes of government surveillance and control.
The incident will undoubtedly spark further debate about the limits of free speech and the role of government agencies in policing their own behavior.
Several Houston city council members have come forward alleging that they received threatening phone calls from the Houston Police Department (HPD) before speaking out against the department's invasive surveillance policies. The speakers, who had registered to address specific issues with HPD's camera systems, traffic stops, and relationship with federal immigration authorities, claim that the calls were meant to intimidate them into silencing their concerns.
According to Alondra Andrade, one of the council members who received a call from HPD, the officer on the other end tried to convince her that the policies were necessary. However, she argued that this was an attempt to extend the department's surveillance system and silence opposition. "Although this was just a phone call and minor in some eyes," Andrade said, "it is an extension of that surveillance system."
Another council member, Carolyn Evans Shabazz, echoed similar sentiments, stating that no one should be called to intimidate anyone, especially when speaking out against their department's actions. "People are calling from my office, council members, and certainly the mayor's office," she said. "But, no one is to call and intimidate anyone. I was assured by the mayor's chief of staff that it would be addressed, and that is unacceptable."
The incident has raised concerns about the Houston Police Department's willingness to engage in intimidation tactics against individuals who dare to speak out against their policies. It also highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency within government agencies.
As one speaker aptly put it, "How many of you have read '1984' by George Orwell? Cool... So, I got a phone call today from HPD." The Orwellian theme is fitting, given that the HPD's actions seem to be eerily reminiscent of the dystopian novel's themes of government surveillance and control.
The incident will undoubtedly spark further debate about the limits of free speech and the role of government agencies in policing their own behavior.
this is getting outta hand 
. police dept tryna silence ppl just 'cause they speakin truth to power 
. no one should be intimidated into keepin quiet, esp when it comes to surveilance policies that effect us all 
. mayor's office gotta do better than just assurin ppl it'll be looked into 
. need more transparency & accountability, not just empty words 
.
. I mean, who tries to intimidate a city council member from speaking out against their department's surveillance policies? It's like they think we're not allowed to have an opinion or something 
. This whole thing just feels super Orwellian, you know? Like, what's next? They're going to start monitoring our internet activity or something 
.
. I mean, who does HPD think they are, trying to silence these folks with intimidation tactics? It's like they're trying to create a chilling effect around free speech 
.
. We need more transparency and accountability in our government agencies, not less 
.
It's like they're saying "we're watching you" and that's totally unacceptable. I mean, isn't free speech supposed to be a thing where we can express our opinions without fear of retribution? 
I think this is exactly what's wrong with our system - the lack of accountability and transparency. We need to make sure that our government reps are held accountable for their actions, not just talking about it. 
It's actually kinda refreshing that some of them are pushing back. Maybe we'll finally get some real change around here... 
. "surveillance policies" sounds like just an excuse for them to keep snoopin on us anyway, and now they're trying to use some BS about "intimidation tactics"? please 
. the HPD is just doing their job, right? 
(although, if we're gonna call them out for something, it should be on the fact that they're violating our rights as citizens, not "suddenly" becoming Orwellian or whatever).
. get real, people