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Tempest brews over camera in Atherton Town Hall

Original post made on Aug 26, 2010

Does the town of Atherton have the right to videotape members of the public doing business in Town Hall, even if they have not been made aware of the camera's presence? The question has been raised by several residents after they became aware of a camera's presence in the town's administration office for the first time this week.

Read the full story here Web Link posted Thursday, August 26, 2010, 7:04 PM

Comments (5)

Posted by Michael G. Stogner
a resident of another community
on Aug 26, 2010 at 9:53 pm

It wasn't that long ago that R.E.A.C.T. Task Force was based out of the Atherton Police Department. Very few people even knew it existed.


Posted by Sam
a resident of Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Aug 26, 2010 at 10:20 pm

what is REACT program?


Posted by Michael G. Stogner
a resident of another community
on Aug 27, 2010 at 7:15 am

Sam,
"what is REACT program?"

Rapid Enforcement and Allied Computer Team, or REACT, a multi-jurisdictional, high-tech crime task force.


Posted by John P Johns
a resident of another community
on Aug 27, 2010 at 10:25 am

Dear Ms. DellaSanta

In a recent article posted on the Almanac News website, Ms. Batti
quotes Ms. Wilkerson as stating the installation of video cameras was
approved by the City Council in 2008. In this same article Mr. Gruber
affirms Ms. Wilkerson's assertion that the City Council did indeed
approve the installation of video cameras. However he indicates that
such approval was granted prior to his arrival.

I have researched the City Council's minutes for all of 2008 and for
October through December of 2007. I have found no record of this
matter having been brought to the attention of the City Council in
open session.

It is entirely possible however that the City Council could have
discussed this matter in closed session where, in the words of Ms.
Wilkerson they could have engaged in a more productive and frank
discussion of the costs and benefits of conducting surveillance on
Town residents and employees.

In view of the apparent absence of City Council approval, please
consider this to be a public records request for any writings which
would substantiate Ms. Wilkerson's assertion that the Council did
approve the installation of video and/or audio surveillance equipment
at Town hall.

For your convenience, attached please find copies of all of the agenda that I have researched so far.

Please respond to this public records request within 10 days.

Thank you very much.

John P. Johns, CPA


Posted by BlackBart
a resident of another community
on Sep 1, 2010 at 2:30 pm

It's cool.
Their pictures are all hanging in the post offices and online.


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