Sure. But California forsaw that, and passed a law to prevent that use case.

The cops - public servants, in theory - then blatantly violated that law.

Did they? The cops shared with other state agencies who then shared with the feds. From what I understand of the situation the cops didn’t break the law, which is the problem.

Per the article, yes:

> Twice, however, OPD staffers searched their system explicitly on behalf of the FBI.

And "other California police departments" are California cops subject to SB34, too.

> Rather, other California police departments searched Oakland’s system on behalf of federal counterparts more than 200 times — providing reasons such as “FBI investigation” for the searches — which appears to mirror a strategy first reported by 404 Media, in which federal agencies that don’t have contracts with Flock turn to local police for backdoor access.

Ah, you’re right! I should have read more carefully.