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The Use of Drones for Domestic Purposes Moves to the Forefront

It has been reported that unarmed drones may have been deployed to find self-proclaimed killer Christopher Dorner near Los Angeles. The deployment of these small, unmanned aircraft by local public agencies, including law enforcement agencies, appears to be increasing due to their widespread availability, and low acquisition and operational costs. To deal with growing security and privacy concerns from their citizens about this use of drones, local and state governments are responding with anti-drone resolutions and laws to restrict or prohibit their use. Dan Verton in an article titled “Stage Set for Battle Over Domestic Drones” in HS Today. It sets the stage for the upcoming debates on the use of drones for domestic purposes. His article can be found here.

What do you think?

Gordon O. Tanner
Principal Deputy General Counsel
United States Air Force

Posted in Domestic Policy, Technology.

Tagged with , , , , .

1 comment

By afgeneralcounsel – February 19, 2013

  • http://www.facebook.com/alan.humphrey.jr Alan Humphrey

    The deployment of ‘drones’ by local law enforcement is being driven by grants from the federal government, not by any demonstrated need. The police like their toys and acquire them without the necessary policies and procedures in place and without discussing it with their communities.

    Seattle’s mayor, responding to public outcry, just instructed the SPD to return its drones to the manufacturer. That’s not to say drones won’t be back. But next time it will be with some fore thought.

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