Lawrence deserves transparency.

In late 2024, the City of Lawrence adopted the Fusus real-time surveillance platform on the consent agenda, without public discussion.When residents discovered the full scope of the contract, which included controversial AI analytics, ALPR integrations, and public-private camera networks, as revealed through a Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) request, community pressure won a pause on further integrations and directed the Lawrence Police Department to collaborate with the community on creating oversight.We are now focused on securing a permanent, transparent framework that governs how surveillance technology is approved and used in Lawrence.

The Lawrence Transparency Project is organizing to:

✅Put Fusus on the agenda
🟨Pause the integrations (?)
⬜Adopt durable oversight

What's new?

At a November 11th meeting, we delivered the full proposed ordinance to the Police Department to begin the collaborative review the Commission called for. As of March 2026, we have not yet received feedback from the department.Meanwhile, a new agenda item proposes enrolling the Lawrence Police Department in the federal LESO surplus equipment program. Because participation in this program allows departments to request a wide range of equipment in the future, we believe it is important that the City adopt a clear surveillance oversight framework before moving forward.We are continuing to gather community feedback as we work to finalize a strong, transparent oversight model for Lawrence.

A March 10 City Commission agenda item proposes enrolling the Lawrence Police Department in the federal LESO "1033 program", which transfers surplus military equipment from the U.S. Department of Defense to local law enforcement.The agenda references night vision equipment and training ammunition, but enrollment allows departments to request additional equipment in the future.The LESO program does require governing body authorization, written policies, and training. However, the agenda item does not clarify what level of City Commission approval or public input would apply to future equipment requests.Lawrence is also still in an active community process to establish clear oversight rules for surveillance technologies, a conversation that began after the Fusus platform was adopted through a consent agenda item without broader public discussion.Before expanding law enforcement technology through new federal programs, it makes sense to complete that oversight process.

Press & Media

Press inquiries may contact Mazzy Martinez at [email protected]

Contact Your Commision

Commissioners

Brad Finkeldei, mayor
785-550-9699 • [email protected]Mike Courtney, vice mayor [email protected]Kristine Polian, commissioner
[email protected]Amber Sellers, commissioner
785-813-1381 • [email protected]Mike Dever, commissioner 785-550-4909 • [email protected]

TO LEAVE PUBLIC COMMENT:

To email the whole commission:
[email protected]To have comment entered into the record: [email protected]

It is recommended to copy both of these emails in the message if you would like it to be entered into the record and for the commissioners to see it.

Sample Email

Dear Commissioner,I’m writing to express concern about Agenda Item 26-126, which would enroll the Lawrence Police Department in the federal LESO surplus equipment program.While the agenda item mentions night vision and training ammunition, participation in the program allows departments to request a wide range of military equipment in the future.Could you clarify whether future equipment requests through this program would require City Commission approval?Given the ongoing community discussion around surveillance technology and police oversight, this item should not be approved until the City adopts a clear surveillance oversight framework.Thank you for your time.Sincerely,
[Name]