In November 2024, the City of Lawrence quietly approved a multi-year body camera contract. Hidden in that contract was a provision to adopt Fusus, a real-time surveillance platform that gives police access to a live network of public and private security cameras across the city.

No public hearings. No media coverage. No chance for community input.

The program began rolling out in July 2025, branded as “Community Connect” program (also referred to in City materials as “Connect Lawrence” or “Community Camera Registration.”), and announced only via a social media post. Residents were asked to register their home security cameras and encouraged to "integrate" them into a centralized surveillance system.

Although camera registration is opt-in, the city’s decision to adopt the Fusus surveillance infrastructure was not, and the public was never informed or given a say.

This is not how decisions about surveillance and public safety should be made.

We demand that the City of Lawrence:

• Pause implementation of the "Community Connect" program immediately

• Put Fusus and "Community Connect" on the agenda to explain the scope of the program

• Allow for full community input and independent oversight

We have a right to transparency, accountability, and a say in how our city is policed. Sign now to support a pause on Fusus and "Community Connect" until the public is meaningfully involved.