The New York Police Department is set to launch a Drone as First Responder pilot program, deploying drones in response to 911 calls in select precincts across the city. Announced by NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry, the initiative aims to enhance situational awareness and officer safety, though it has drawn criticism over potential privacy infringements.
Key Points
- Program Overview
- NYPD to launch Drone as First Responder pilot program in coming months.
- Initial rollout includes four precincts and Central Park precinct.
- Drones will respond to certain types of 911 calls, details unspecified.
- Implementation
- Three participating precincts in Brooklyn, one in the Bronx.
- Precincts chosen based on recent crime trends.
- Station house roofs to be retrofitted for drone platforms.
- Pilots located at NYPD headquarters, relaying video and telemetry to field officers.
- Current Drone Use
- NYPD owns 85 drones.
- Drones used for major events, structural checks, and patrols above-ground train lines.
- Drone use increased by over 400% in 2023.
- Restrictions and Rules
- Drones not used for warrantless surveillance, traffic enforcement, or immobilizing vehicles.
- Not used for routine patrols, unclear impact of pilot program on this rule.
- Privacy Concerns
- Critics label drone use as “dystopian technology” infringing on civil rights.
- NYCLU opposed drone use during Brooklyn’s J’Ouvert festival.
- Concerns about misuse and discriminatory surveillance practices.
Source:
https://www.yahoo.com/tech/nypd-start-using-drones-first-162800757.html