Houston City Council Speakers Receive Calls from HPD Before Speaking Out Against Department's Surveillance Policies
The Houston Police Department is under fire for allegedly intimidating city council speakers who signed up to speak out against the department's invasive surveillance policies. Multiple speakers at a recent council meeting claimed they received calls from HPD before taking the stand, with some describing the calls as "intimidating" and others saying they were even tried to convince them why the policies were in place.
For instance, Alondra Andrade came forward to criticize the department's camera systems, traffic stops, and relationship with federal immigration authorities. However, after receiving a call from an HPD officer who tried to persuade her about the department's motives, she expressed deep concern that this was just another extension of the surveillance system.
Andrade is not alone in her experience. Councilmember Carolyn Evans Shabazz also addressed the issue, stating that people are being called from their offices and assured that such incidents would be addressed by the mayor's chief of staff. However, for Andrade and others, this only added to the sense of intimidation and violation of free speech.
The Houston Police Department has not commented on the allegations. Nevertheless, concerns over surveillance policies have sparked heated debates within the city council, with some arguing that these measures infringe upon civil liberties.
"I think it matters to just show up and to keep fighting," Andrade said in a bold statement. "If I'm under the impression that things can change for the better, I'm going to try to work toward that."
The Houston Police Department is under fire for allegedly intimidating city council speakers who signed up to speak out against the department's invasive surveillance policies. Multiple speakers at a recent council meeting claimed they received calls from HPD before taking the stand, with some describing the calls as "intimidating" and others saying they were even tried to convince them why the policies were in place.
For instance, Alondra Andrade came forward to criticize the department's camera systems, traffic stops, and relationship with federal immigration authorities. However, after receiving a call from an HPD officer who tried to persuade her about the department's motives, she expressed deep concern that this was just another extension of the surveillance system.
Andrade is not alone in her experience. Councilmember Carolyn Evans Shabazz also addressed the issue, stating that people are being called from their offices and assured that such incidents would be addressed by the mayor's chief of staff. However, for Andrade and others, this only added to the sense of intimidation and violation of free speech.
The Houston Police Department has not commented on the allegations. Nevertheless, concerns over surveillance policies have sparked heated debates within the city council, with some arguing that these measures infringe upon civil liberties.
"I think it matters to just show up and to keep fighting," Andrade said in a bold statement. "If I'm under the impression that things can change for the better, I'm going to try to work toward that."
The HPD is literally trying to silence people who dare to speak out against their invasive surveillance policies? Like, what even is the point of having a city council if they can't do their job without being intimidated? 
Alondra Andrade and Carolyn Evans Shabazz are total heroes for standing up for themselves and for civil liberties! 
They need to keep speaking truth to power and not let the HPD bully them. I'm so proud of them for not back downing, even when faced with those "persuasive" calls from HPD officers... 
it's like they're saying, "nope, we won't be silenced!" 
... it feels like we're reliving some of those same struggles all over again. and now, with the HPD getting into surveillance policies, I'm worried about our city's values being compromised. it's like they're trying to watch us all the time, always monitoring what we say and do. that's just not right, you know?
. I mean, what's next? You're telling people they gotta be scared of their own cops? That's not how democracy works, fam 
. These council members are just trying to do their job and talk about the issues that matter, but they get calls from HPD telling them what to say or not say? It's like, hello! You can't silence someone with a phone call, you need actual proof of wrongdoing 
.
!
... Andrade is right though, we need people showing up to fight for their rights, but can't they do it without getting threatened first?
i'm all about tech progress, but when it comes to personal freedoms, that's a whole different story 
. the fact that HPD is allegedly calling these council members before they even speak out against the policies just shows how far gone this department is 
. we need more people like Alondra Andrade who are willing to take a stand and fight for change 
!
It's all about control and manipulation. We need to keep fighting for our rights and freedoms! 
The Houston Police Department's behavior is not only concerning but also raises serious questions about accountability and transparency. If city council speakers are receiving calls from HPD officers warning them against speaking out against surveillance policies, it creates a toxic environment where people feel pressured into silence. 
And what's with all these "we're doing it for your own safety" vibes? Safety doesn't have to mean suppressing free speech, you know? 
I'm low-key impressed by Alondra's bravery though - trying to keep fighting despite all the pressure is kinda inspiring 
This is getting out of hand! It's one thing to have disagreements with policies, but trying to intimidate people from speaking out? That's a whole other level. I mean, who do these HPD officers think they are? 
The city council members are supposed to be representing the people, not being bullied by their own department. It's all about accountability and making sure everyone's voice is heard.
it's all about holding those in power accountable, imo.
what if this is just the tip of the iceberg - are there more people who've gotten these calls and aren't speaking out because they're too afraid? 
I hope someone from HPD comes forward and explains themselves, or else we might never know what really went down here... 
Can't let fear silence us"