Sold as modernization, reform, and a "tough on crime" fix, police technology and its uses are increasingly diffuse. The industry regularly churns out new surveillance tools, often at the expense of privacy and civil liberties, not to mention taxpayer dollars. While some of these purchases are funded through federal grants and private donors, they are also becoming a larger portion of local and state budgets.

This guide helps journalists see through the spin. It breaks down how policing technology companies market their tools and how those sales claims – which are often misleading – get recycled into media coverage. We offer tools for asking better questions, understanding incentives, and finding local accountability stories in your community.