PETITION STATEMENT

Peoria residents value both safety and privacy, but the Peoria Police Department’s partnership with Axon threatens our constitutional rights. The department is encouraging citizens to register their personal cameras with Axon and even allows the purchase of Axon “black box” hardware that streams private security footage directly to Axon’s platform, where police can request or access it.

This creates a dangerous loophole: police can obtain personal surveillance footage through a third party, without needing a warrant, a court order, or any traditional oversight. This practice conflicts with the Fourth Amendment, which protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures.

We are calling on the Peoria Police Department to immediately end:

• The use of third-party integrations that allow automatic access to private cameras
• Any system that lets police obtain footage without a judicial warrant
• Any prompts or pressure on residents to register personal cameras with Axon or similar services

Public safety should never come at the cost of our constitutional rights. We urge Peoria city leadership and the Police Department to reinstate proper warrant requirements and protect residents’ privacy.

We demand transparency, accountability, and lawful process. We do not surveillance shortcuts.

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS 

Third-party camera registration streaming services allow for the police to bypass the warrant process. The police will obtain footage from a private company rather than from residents directly. This causes several issues:

• Allows police to watch private property without consent
• Creates mass surveillance infrastructure
• Let's third-party companies store data on residents who never agreed
• Undermines judicial oversight
• Can chill free speech, protests, and everyday private life
• Sets a dangerous precedent for future surveillance systems  

By signing this petition, you are telling the Peoria Police Department to end the Connect Peoria program.