Metropolis council audio system say they obtained calls from HPD earlier than talking out in opposition to the division

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Metropolis council audio system signed as much as communicate out in opposition to what they name unnecessarily invasive surveillance insurance policies by the Houston Police Division.

Then, they are saying they began getting calls from HPD.

A number of audio system at this week’s council assembly stated they felt intimidated after receiving calls from HPD earlier than talking.

“What number of of you might have learn ‘1984’ by George Orwell? Cool,” one speaker testified. “So, I acquired a cellphone name right this moment from HPD.”

“They have been saying some offensive issues and even making an attempt to argue about our ache brought on by HPD,” one other speaker stated. “That is intimidation, and it violates the proper to talk freely.”

“After receiving a name from HPD to my private cellphone quantity, I am deeply involved,” Alondra Andrade stated.

Alondra Andrade got here earlier than the council to criticize HPD’s digital camera methods, site visitors stops, and relationship with federal immigration authorities.

She stated the HPD officer who referred to as tried to persuade her why the insurance policies had been in place.

All registered audio system are required to offer cellphone numbers.

“Though this was only a cellphone name and minor in some eyes,” Andrade stated. “It’s an extension of that surveillance system.”

Houston police didn’t reply to our request for remark, however Mayor Whitmire’s spokesperson says metropolis officers name registered audio system in a good-faith effort to gather data and resolve issues.

At this week’s assembly, councilmember Carolyn Evans Shabazz responded to audio system.

“Individuals are calling, from my workplace, council members, and positively the mayor’s workplace,” she stated. “However, nobody is to name and intimidate anybody. I used to be assured by the mayor’s chief of workers that it will be addressed, and that’s unacceptable.”

“I’ve testified a bunch of instances at Commissioners Court docket, at Metropolis Council. This has by no means occurred earlier than,” Andrade stated. “I feel it issues to simply present up and to maintain preventing. If I am below the impression that issues can change for the higher, I will attempt to work towards that, and a part of that’s utilizing my voice.”

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