Maryland state police were used to infiltrate and spy on political groups.

Maryland state police were used to infiltrate and spy on anti-death penalty groups and peace activist groups.

The ACLU of Md. reported these findings as going on in 2005 and 2006.

The response of the police according to the article is:

Col. Terrence B. Sheridan, superintendent of the Maryland State Police, said in a statement yesterday that the department “does not inappropriately curtail the expression or demonstration of the civil liberties of protesters or organizations acting lawfully.”

“No illegal actions by state police have ever been taken against any citizens or groups who have exercised their right to free speech and assembly in a lawful manner,” Sheridan said. “Only when information regarding criminal activity is alleged will police continue to investigate leads to ensure the public safety.”

But there was no indication that these groups were partaking in any kind of illegal activity.
Which is why the police had nothing but hundreds of hours of "nothing to report."


What bothers me is that we have been worried about the federal government eroding our liberties and invading our privacy.
I never considered that any of the state governments could be doing it also.
This seems to be for personal political gain but is anyone else doing it for more sinister reasons?


spying uncovered