Police in Santa Monica, California, recently apprehended a car burglar thanks to their innovative drone surveillance program, sparking discussions about the potential and controversy surrounding this technology.
In other parts of the world, police forces even use it to detect enemies before striking. How effective is it in tracking a suspect from afar?
Drone Patrol Leads to Arrest
During the weekend, July 4, a Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) drone pilot returning from a call decided to survey the crowd near the Santa Monica Pier. This routine patrol led to a crucial observation: a suspicious individual roaming the parking lot. The drone footage captured the suspect using tools to break into a car and later, a truck.
"While the suspect was inside the vehicle, the pilot called for officers to respond to the lot," explains the SMPD press release. "Officers located the suspect with stolen items, leading to his arrest for vehicle burglary and other theft charges."
The SMPD released a video on social media showcasing the drone's role in apprehending the suspect. Check the video below for more information.
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Drone Program's Track Record and Controversy
Launched in late 2021, the "Drone as a First Responder" initiative has proven valuable in various situations. Past successes include apprehending a home burglar and locating a suspect who assaulted an elderly woman. However, the program has also faced criticism due to privacy concerns.
As reported by Gizmodo, a privacy rights group says that communities should conduct careful tests before using drone surveillance on the streets.
The group adds that there's a need for strict regulations to be implemented in order to avoid mission creep and protect "individual liberties."
The Future of Drone Use in Law Enforcement
While the SMPD program primarily focuses on observation, the future of drone use in law enforcement is questionable when it comes to weaponization.
Recent acquisitions by Axon (a taser manufacturer) of Dedrone (a drone defense company) and statements by some lawmakers advocating for drone-mounted tasers highlight this potential.
The Santa Monica PD drone program is proven to be effective when put to good use. It's an essential "futuristic" surveillance that helps the police to identify the suspect's whereabouts before making a move.
However, it's crucial to find a balance between utilizing these tools effectively and protecting individual privacy rights. As drone technology advances, ongoing discussions and regulations will be essential to ensure its responsible application in law enforcement.
Outside the US, the UK Department for Transport eyes police drones as part of the "future of flight" by the next decade. The agency also said that the plan includes autonomous aircraft and flying taxis.
The drone technology is proven effective by West Midlands Police in catching criminals and combatting anti-social behavior. It's also important in saving lives.
For instance, a drone can drop defibrillators to help cardiac arrest victims to recover.
