Hoyer calls for DHS to release further information on Maryland surveillance program

U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Mechanicsville) is asking Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff to reveal further information about the Maryland Surveillance Program, under which the state police kept records on non-violent activists.

Hoyer pointed to a letter sent to Chertoff and DHS Under Secretary of the Office of Intelligence and Analysis, Charles Allen.

The letter, written by U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), who chairs the House Committee on Homeland Security, requested DHS provide the committee with a full account of the surveillance actions and further information regarding the funds used.

“The politically-motivated surveillance of dissident domestic groups that have neither a link to terrorism nor promote violence is not only a deplorable use of taxpayer funds but also violated the First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and association,” wrote Thompson in the letter.

Hoyer responded in a statement, “The state surveillance program conducted under the Ehrlich Administration that secretly monitored law-abiding citizens exercising their constitutional rights raises serious concerns that merit further investigation."

“While it is the job of law enforcement to protect the public and keep the peace, it is difficult to understand how non-violent peace activists and opponents of the death penalty constituted a threat to public safety. We need to understand why the monitoring of these and other citizens took place – and whether any federal funds were used in support of this program,” he added.

Hoyer endorsed Thompson’s letter: “Given the press accounts of these activities, I believe Chairman Thompson’s request is a reasonable and timely effort to determine the scope and nature of the program. I urge Secretary Chertoff to look into this serious inquiry and respond fully.”

The American Civil Liberties Union released documents last week that showed state police had been conducting undercover surveillance on war protestors and death penalty opponents in Maryland during former Gov. Bob Ehrlich’s (R-Baltimore) term in office.

Former state police superintendent Tim Hutchins told the Washington Post that Ehrlich was not aware of the surveillance program, and that the program was conducted in a completely legal fashion.

The article questioned whether the controversial actions were still being conducted during O’Malley’s tenure as governor. Though, the O’Malley administration promptly denied any knowledge of the matter.