Question

Drones are on the rise in U.S. airspace. On January 26, 2015, a man claimed responsibility for a drone crashing at White House. The Federal Aviation Administration, which regulates them, estimates that at least 30,000 drones will be airborne across the country by 2024. Should the public be worried about the uses of Drones by Law Enforcement? Do you feel they are helpful or we should be concerned?

Answer 1

With the advancement in drone technology and its impact on a number of applications in numerous sectors such as active shooter, search and rescue operations, surveillance, and for cost-effectiveness the drones are highly beneficial. Drones have the potential and ability to change the way military operations, sports, businesses works and economy performs. Law enforcement agencies can take help of the drones to police more effectively. The drones can be used to conduct surveillance and collect evidence. Moreover can also use UAVs to photograph traffic scenes at crash, track escapees from prison, political protesters, monitor correctional facilities, crowd control, and more. They are cost effective as are more affordable than helicopters. However it also raises questions on abuse, legal concerns, and negative public perceptions among citizens for purposes of law enforcement. It can permit the law enforcement to tend to other things, and the drones capture the recording the footage. It often creates an abnormal uneasiness in the public as it creates a fear of increased surveillance by government. Also the personnel costs still also not change much as an officer will be needed to operate the drone.

In my opinion drones are helpful as these are equipped with sophisticated technologies such as audio, cameras, sensors, and other advancements for visual surveillance. These extremely helpful to the police as can reach areas that the police officer can’t. The enactment of overly wide restrictions on drone usage can curtail non-invasive, benefits of the drones.