Seattle police demonstrated their "3.5 pound Draganflyer X6 Helicopter Tech" drone which cost $41,000 in an April 2012 edition of the Seattle Times.
The small joy-stick operated drone takes live feed video, pictures and infrared imagery. The article states that "FAA requirements state drones must be flown below 400 feet and remain within eyesight of an operator as well as an observer at all times."
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have stated that current laws do not protect citizen privacy adequately enough when it comes to the use of drones.
In its February 7 edition, the Seattle Times reported that Mayor Mike McGinn said that policing should focus on "community building", this after Seattle police have faced investigations of civil rights abuses in 2011 where police faced allegations of using excessive force against minorities. Reportedly, the two drones were returned to the vendor after the mayor did not support the police drone program which drew opposition from residents in a public hearing.
"Trends" in weapons trickling down from the military are a concern to Seattle residents, according to a Crosscut article.
This week the House and Senate will hold hearings on legislation for unmanned drones. The Seattle Times reports that "Senate Bill 5782 will be heard by the Law & Justice Committee on Wednesday. House Bill 1771 will be heard by the Public Safety Committee on Thursday."
Privacy rights advocates are also concerned with how to make sure surveillance technologies will not be misused.
Comments