DUTCHESS COUNTY – Mid-Hudson News has learned of a proposed local law that would restrict how the District Attorney and Sheriff obtain crime-fighting surveillance tools. The Surveillance Hardware and Equipment Purchases Held to Elected Review and Decision Act (Shepherd Act), authored by Assistant Majority Leader Kristofer Munn of Red Hook, would amend the county’s Administrative Code to require legislative approval of surveillance technology agreements between vendors and the independently elected district attorney or sheriff.
Munn alleges in his proposal that the “Shepherd Act” responds to public outcry over the Flock License Plate Reader (LPR) cameras used as part of the .
Munn’s law would require the DA or the sheriff to obtain legislative approval before entering into a contract with a vendor for agreements including, but not limited to, LPRs, drones, gunshot detection systems, and geofencing software.
If placed on the upcoming agenda, the Dutchess County Legislature would consider the resolution at its October committee meetings.
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