This Machine Kills 411. Big Easy’s Big Brother
Jun 25, 2025
Dive into the controversial surveillance landscape of New Orleans, where a private nonprofit partners with the police to monitor citizens using facial recognition technology. Explore the ethical dilemmas of such practices, including potential biases and civil liberties concerns. The conversation blends humor with serious critiques, discussing everything from urban militarization to quirky examples like 'sandwich recognition cameras.' As policies evolve, the implications for privacy and community rights are more pressing than ever.
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New Orleans as Policing Testbed
- New Orleans serves as a testbed for policing technology after crises like Katrina.
- Ongoing crises allow private interests to implement invasive surveillance systems unchecked.
Private Network Bypasses Oversight
- Project NOLA operates a private network of thousands of cameras using AI for live facial recognition.
- This network bypasses police and public oversight by functioning as a private entity.
Brian Lagarde’s Vigilante Role
- Brian Lagarde, a former New Orleans police officer, founded Project NOLA in 2009.
- He runs a surveillance network and markets himself as a leading crime camera analyst.
