Police infiltrate and spy on anti-death penalty groups
WBAL-TV
Sat July 26, 2008
Area: Baltimore
An 11News I-Team investigation has revealed what prompted Maryland State police to infiltrate and spy on anti-death penalty groups.
According to Superintendent Col. Terrence Sheridan, the undercover officers began attending public meetings held by death penalty opponents in March, apparently in an effort to develop a plan of action for any rallies that turned violent.
Sheridan called the surveillance "Simply a case of bad judgement." Sheridan also admitted that the group had not broken any laws, and that the undercover investigation determined that the activists were not planning any violent protests.
State lawmakers are planning a series of hearings in the fall on the secret surveillance. However, as reported by David Collins, state police indicated they believe laws limiting their power are not necessary.
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