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Public commenter alleges active surveillance equipment at main library and Asian Art Museum; says it affects overdose response work
Summary
A public commenter alleged surveillance equipment on top of the main library and Asian Art Museum had been activated outside declared emergencies and said the devices—he identified capabilities including Stingray and LRAD—were interfering with overdose prevention work and personal privacy.
During the public‑comment period Chris Ward Klein, who identified himself as “Sergeant Klein of the United States Marine Corps,” told commissioners he and others had investigated causes of overdoses and suicides and expressed concern about surveillance equipment near the main library and Asian Art Museum. Klein said the equipment appeared to be operating outside declared emergencies and claimed it could deploy technologies such as Stingray and LRAD.
“This technology can deploy Stingray, LRAD, and other surveillance systems. It's very concerning,” Klein said, and indicated he planned to submit a police report and to provide names and documentation to the Police Commission and sheriff’s office.
Klein tied the concern to public‑health work, arguing that if people are being surveilled their behavior and willingness to engage with treatment could be affected; he urged the sheriff’s office to investigate and asked the commission to note the concern ahead of a presentation later in the agenda on surveillance‑related topics.
Ending: The statement was delivered during general public comment; commissioners thanked the speaker and did not take action during the meeting. The speaker said he would follow up with law enforcement and planned to provide documentation to the commission.
