SANTA CRUZ, Calif. -- The Santa Cruz Police Department's new surveillance policy went into effect on Wednesday, and it sent critics marching through downtown streets in protest.

About a dozen people carried a coffin through the streets to signify the death of First Amendment rights. They said the department's new rules don't do enough to protect their freedom of speech and right to assemble free from police interference.

The policy comes after police infiltrated a citizens group organizing New Year's Eve activities for the city last year.

The policy dictates when it is appropriate for undercover investigation of protests, rallies and other activities protected by the First Amendment.

Police officials said the new policy is designed to prevent undercover investigations of First Amendment activities unless there is reasonable suspicion of criminal activity, and that the surveillance must be conducted on public property before going onto private property.

The policy also states officers must attempt to gather the needed information through direct and open communication with the subject of the investigation.

The Public Safety Committee will review the policy and take public comment at its next meeting on July 24 at 4 p.m.