Colorado Woman’s Alarming Encounter with Police Over Package Theft

A woman from Colorado faced an unsettling accusation from local police last month when she was approached by Sergeant Jamie Milliman, who claimed she had stolen a package from a neighbor’s doorstep. During the encounter, which took place at her home, Milliman warned her about the extensive surveillance in the nearby town of Bow Mar, stating, “You know we have cameras in that jurisdiction and you can’t get a breath of fresh air, in or out of that place, without us knowing.”

According to reports from the local media site Denverite, Milliman alleged that Chrisanna Elser had been recorded on surveillance cameras as having traversed Bow Mar “20 times the last month.” He specifically pinpointed a timeframe on the day the package was reported stolen, claiming she was in the area from “11:52 until 12:09 exactly.” Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Milliman did not present any concrete evidence during their conversation and concluded by issuing Elser a court summons for petty theft, set for December 2023.

Feeling unjustly accused, Elser began her own investigation to clear her name. Utilizing various consumer surveillance devices, she gathered evidence to support her whereabouts on the day in question. This included surveillance images from a store she visited, dashcam footage from her vehicle showing her driving through Bow Mar twice without stopping, and GPS records from both her truck and phone. She also provided home security footage of her encounter with Milliman to Denverite.

The police department later reviewed Elser’s evidence, ultimately deciding to drop the summons against her. In an email correspondence, they acknowledged her efforts, stating, “nicely done btw.”

The incident raises significant concerns about the implications of police reliance on surveillance technology. Elser’s experience underscores a troubling trend where individuals can be wrongfully accused based solely on data gathered from surveillance systems like those operated by Flock, a company specializing in police surveillance solutions.

While Elser managed to navigate the accusations without severe repercussions, the situation highlights broader issues regarding the use of surveillance technology, particularly for marginalized communities. The potential for wrongful accusations and the impact of aggressive policing methods can lead to devastating outcomes.

In a related context, similar incidents have occurred across the United States, illustrating the dangers of over-reliance on technology in law enforcement. For instance, a 16-year-old Black student was unjustly detained at gunpoint after an AI system misidentified a bag of Doritos as a firearm. Additionally, a Brooklyn father, Trevis Williams, spent two days in jail after being misidentified by facial-recognition software in connection with a crime that occurred two months prior, despite being miles away at the time.

As the intersection of artificial intelligence and policing continues to evolve, the need for regulation becomes increasingly critical. The potential for errors from flawed technology, combined with aggressive policing tactics, can lead to severe consequences for innocent individuals.

The ongoing dialogue surrounding surveillance and policing will likely shape future policies, as communities seek to balance safety with civil rights. This incident in Colorado serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in modern law enforcement practices.