One of the local Austin news stations posted 2 stories on the same day that when taken together, it’s a wonderful “Big Brother” “all in the name of public safety” moment.

Downtown safety cameras could keep an eye over Austin.

More than a dozen public safety cameras are likely headed for Downtown Austin.

[…]

“We’re trying to protect assets,” Downtown Austin Alliance spokesperson Bill Brice said. “East Sixth Street in particular is an area in which visitors, conventioneers, locals and a lot of special events draw thousands to tens of thousands of people every weekend of the year. We know that it’s important to protect those assets and make sure that, that particular district remains safe for everyone who enjoys it.”

But the gem is from APD Top Cop, Art Acevedo:

“The bottom line is everybody knows that when you’re walking down a public street, there’s absolutely no expectation of privacy. There’s no expectation of privacy from the people around you. There’s no expectation of privacy from the government and that is something that people know, they’ve known for many years,” he said.

This is true. But officer, I hope you also realize this means that the citizenry is open and free to film the actions of you and your officers. Just remember that, Mr. Gander.

I do think his last statement is a little chilling… that there’s no expectation of privacy from the government.

Now couple that with the second news story about area law enforcement coming together to share intelligence information:

The Austin Regional Intelligence Center is open for business.Ten area law enforcement agencies will now share information through a centralized “fusion center.”

[…]

By sharing information with other area law enforcement agencies, Police Chief Art Acevedo said, they’ll be able to recognize trends and identify suspects more efficiently.

Fair enough. But of course, people fear breach of privacy rights.

Acevedo said they’ll work to ensure constitutional rights are protected.”Our challenge, and the challenge to all the members working in this center, is to make sure we police with respect to privacy rights,” Acevedo said.

But Chief, I thought we shouldn’t have any expectation of privacy from the government?