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Resident alleges police used social-media surveillance to target commissioner; cites lawsuits
Summary
A Largo resident told the commission a Facebook post by Commissioner Smith was used by police as a political weapon and claimed local police use spyware; the speaker referenced a recent lawsuit and urged commissioners to address surveillance concerns.
A Largo resident told the City Commission on June 17 that police used social-media surveillance to target Commissioner Smith and described broader concerns about law enforcement surveillance tools.
Greg Gardner said Commissioner Smith posted on Facebook early in the morning, then removed the post later in the day, and that police somehow learned of the post and used it "as a political weapon." Gardner told the commission: "Smith was being surveilled unknowingly. The method used is spyware services called police social media veil." He said surveillance software is available "to almost every PD" and that some agencies use such tools "prudently."
Gardner also referenced news reporting and litigation, telling commissioners the Tampa Bay Times published an investigation into predictive policing and noting a new lawsuit he described as relevant to the concerns he raised: "Blitz right here. This is a brand new lawsuit. This is what it looks like when you tarnish your badge. Bridal Dalton versus City of Largo." Gardner described a personal family case he said involved officer misconduct and said the outcome left lasting harm to his son.
The commission did not take action in response to the remarks during the public-comment period. Staff and commissioners did not provide additional public details or a staff response during the meeting on the allegations; no formal complaint or inquiry was announced on the record.
