How do you hold power accountable when the rules are built to protect it?

In this episode, investigative journalist Joey Scott joins Social Primate to talk about policing, surveillance, and state power in Los Angeles. From stockpiles of “less-lethal” weapons to escalating protest crackdowns, to surveillance tools and local agencies working alongside ICE.

He also underscores the importance of community solidarity, informed hope, and continuous resistance in facing these challenges.

-----

Show Notes:

00:19 Meet Joey Scott: Investigative Journalist and Photographer

00:45 The Rise of Surveillance and State Power

01:29 Joey Scott's Journey into Journalism

05:56 Unveiling Police and State Actions

07:32 Military Equipment in Police Departments

14:55 On the Ground: Protest Documentation

19:29 The Escalation of Police Violence

22:29 The Surveillance State and Public Awareness

24:59 The Intrusiveness of Surveillance

25:22 The Profit Motive Behind Policing

26:56 Paranoia and Distrust in Law Enforcement

28:37 Social Media Monitoring and Privacy Concerns

30:13 The Power of Language and Labels

32:59 ICE Cooperation and Community Betrayal

43:28 The Emotional Toll of Journalism

47:52 Finding Hope and Community Action