Asheville DSA

Mass Surveillance

We’ve sent out a pledge on Ending Unlawful Mass Surveillance to candidates running for Asheville mayor and City Council, Buncombe County Commission, Sheriff, and District Attorney; requesting they respond by October 12.

The city of Asheville recently accepted $1.14M to build a police Real-Time Intelligence Center on Axon’s Fusus platform. Council voted to end its Flock contract but left the door open to bring Flock back. And the Sheriff’s Office already runs both systems.

The people we elect will decide what happens next. So we’re asking every candidate to commit to:

  • Getting a warrant before surveilling residents
  • Bringing surveillance decisions before the public
  • Ending contracts with for-profit surveillance companies
  • Keeping residents’ data safe from ICE and CBP

We intend to share who signs, who declines, who stays silent, and any statements received from candidates with the media, on our website, via newsletter, and on social.

Document outlining the North Carolina Candidate Pledge aimed at ending mass surveillance, including commitments to uphold the Constitution, transparency, and community involvement.