In the near future, pedestrians across the United States may increasingly notice drones buzzing overhead. While some of these drones will be performing tasks like surveying construction sites or delivering packages, a growing number will be operated by law enforcement to monitor for criminal activity.
The Controversy and Legislative Delays
Critics argue that the deployment of police drones is premature and could lead to widespread surveillance. Despite these concerns, legislative action to regulate drone usage has been sluggish. Law enforcement agencies are not waiting for new laws and are pushing forward with drone deployments, raising concerns about privacy and civil liberties.
Technological Advancements and Cost Reductions
The use of drones in law enforcement is not entirely new. For years, police have utilized ground-based bomb-defusing robots and aerial drones. However, recent technological advancements have made drones lighter, faster, and capable of capturing high-quality images over long distances. Modern drones can now use thermal imagery, penetrate glass, and even navigate inside buildings. When paired with technologies like license plate readers and facial recognition, these drones offer advanced surveillance capabilities.
Drones in Action: Real-World Examples
Starting this month, police departments in Arizona will use drones from public safety startup Aerodome to track suspects, search for missing persons, and even engage in high-speed pursuits. These drones will integrate with camera systems and gunshot detection software from Flock Safety. In Scottsdale, drones will provide rapid aerial views within seconds, enhancing law enforcement response times.
California’s Chula Vista Police Department has used drones for various incidents, from gun violence to water leaks and loud music complaints. Meanwhile, New York City’s NYPD has deployed a fleet of around 85 drones to monitor large events and even backyard parties, sparking privacy concerns from residents and advocacy groups. Despite assurances from officials, the NYPD’s drone usage increased by 400% between 2022 and 2023.
Lack of Oversight and Potential for Abuse
The increasing use of police drones has raised alarms among privacy advocates. Currently, no federal regulations specifically govern the use of drones by law enforcement, leaving the responsibility to state and local authorities. This has resulted in a patchwork of laws, with only 15 states requiring police to obtain a warrant before deploying drones. Even in these states, exceptions to the warrant requirement exist.
Law enforcement often has more leeway in drone operations than civilian hobbyists, who face stricter FAA regulations. Court rulings have provided limited guidance, with notable cases like the Maryland decision against Baltimore’s spy-plane program highlighting the potential for constitutional violations.
Privacy Concerns and the Future
Critics warn that the unregulated expansion of police drones could lead to mass surveillance, disproportionately affecting certain communities and deterring public participation in protests and other events. ACLU Senior Policy Analyst Jay Stanley has emphasized the need for policymakers to prevent a future where constant aerial surveillance becomes the norm.
While police drones can be valuable tools for solving serious crimes, there is a risk of their use expanding into everyday life. Unchecked, this could lead to widespread surveillance and incidental collection of incriminating evidence against innocent people.
Conclusion
As law enforcement agencies increasingly adopt drones and other advanced technologies like AI-enabled gunshot detectors and predictive policing software, the landscape of modern policing is rapidly evolving. The integration of drones into this high-tech approach underscores the need for robust oversight and clear regulations to protect privacy and civil liberties.