EmbeddingGemma 2: an open, lightweight multimodal embedding model
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Hacker News·Sep 5·5 min read
Flock used >100 times to track veteran who recorded traffic stop
TL;DR
Napoleon Jones, a Navy veteran, was unlawfully arrested by a police officer after recording a traffic stop, raising concerns about First Amendment rights and police accountability.
✦ Why It Matters
Understand your rights when recording police activity to protect yourself from unlawful stops.
Key Takeaways
- Understand your rights when recording police activity.
- Advocate for transparency in police use of surveillance technology.
- Monitor local law enforcement practices regarding citizen interactions.
- Support legal actions against unlawful police conduct.
Full Summary
On May 4, 2025, Napoleon Jones recorded a traffic stop in Sussex, Wisconsin, believing it was unjust. Despite being within his rights, he was unlawfully stopped and arrested by Deputy Brandon Shayhorn, who later admitted the stop was illegal.
Following the incident, Jones discovered that the police conducted over 100 searches of his vehicle using Flock Safety's automated license plate readers, which are typically used for criminal investigations. These searches were allegedly ordered by Shayhorn's lieutenant in retaliation for Jones exercising his First Amendment right to record.
Jones filed a federal lawsuit against the officers for unlawful stop and surveillance, highlighting the potential misuse of technology like Flock Safety in policing. This case underscores the risks of unchecked police power and the implications for citizens' rights to free speech and privacy.