State Police Computer System (H 7101, S 2080)

After a shooting in Rhode Island highlighted interjurisdictional gaps in information among police departments, a bill was introduced which would have allowed the state police to create a comprehensive, statewide records management program. While we did not take a position on the bill in concept, we suggested several amendments to the legislation which would strengthen privacy protections regarding the use of the database, including requirements similar to federal law which restricted the collection of information about First Amendment-protected activities and only allowed for the collection of certain information if there is reasonable suspicion that an individual is involved in criminal conduct.