SHOULD LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES USE FLYING, AIRBORNE SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS

Should Law Enforcement Agencies Use Flying, Airborne Surveillance Cameras?

Shannon Scott

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Since the terror attacks on 9/11, America has attempted to use every technological means possible to protect our country. The Department of Homeland Security has jumped on board with other federal, state and local agencies to protect our towns and cities. Surveillance cameras are now used all over the country as a means to apprehend criminals, terrorists and lost children. One of the newest versions of the surveillance camera is the flying drone. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) is the first city in the United States to use this new tool. The drone camera costs approximately $30,000 and has the possibility of paying for itself in the first week of use. These cameras are attached to miniature remote controlled aircraft and are able to provide law enforcement agencies with an aerial view of whatever is taking place below.

Many people think these cameras will invade their privacy. Without the proper procedures in place, police agents could peer in your window and see your most private moments. The LASD believes the flying drone aircraft are more cost effective than operating a helicopter unit. A helicopter, for example, costs $2 million; a surveillance drone costs $30,000. The helicopter costs do not include man hours, which range from $600.00 to $1200.00 per hour, annual training, fuel or maintenance.

Helicopters are sometimes not available and often take too long to get to the location where they are needed. On the other hand, flying drones are compact, portable, and can be conveniently deployed at a moment’s notice at the needed location.

The US Congress is considering legislation that would mandate flying drone cameras in a number of ways. This effort keeps the focus on supporting the Homeland Security mission and for other safe and justifiable purposes. The flying drone cameras would be used by a number of federal agencies in varying capacities. Some of the more likely agencies would be Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Although the flying drone cameras have many benefits, there are legitimate privacy concerns.

This small airplane like device is capable of being folded up and placed in the trunk of a cruiser, according to Mr. de La Torre of the LASD. It can be assembled within five minutes and put to use, where a helicopter can take several minutes, or maybe hours, to get to the scene. The drone would help law enforcement carry out their duties more efficiently and could potentially increase the number of lives saved. Moreover, motorists may be more safety conscious when aware there might be drone cameras in the skies monitoring their driving behavior. The flying drones could reduce the number of accidents and help police officers in their investigation of crash scenes.

Law Enforcement agencies would be able to use this technology to get into previously inaccessible and even restricted areas, as some situations may require. The flying drone cameras are less likely to be detected. The flying drones could also assist SWAT teams in various tactical operations. Fire Departments could also use flying drones to detect hazardous materials and the presence of toxic fumes that could potentially be fatal to personnel.

Drone cameras would make it easier to catch criminals and deter criminal activity in business and residential neighborhoods. Studies have shown that placing cameras in high crime neighborhoods reduces crime. Studies have also shown that criminals refrain from crime if they know if they are being watched or at least move to another location.

I believe, overall, flying drone cameras would make people feel safer. Cameras would help stop littering in streets and the placing of graffiti on buildings. Surveys have shown that approximately 50 percent of the American public supports the use of surveillance cameras. But, it is also important to note that they do not want their privacy invaded by this new technology.

In conclusion, to advance pubic safety, flying drone cameras can be effective in helping to solve investigations related to crime, traffic, drug sting operations and public intoxication. I recommend that every law enforcement agency have flying drone cameras.

References:

Lively, Tarron, April 30, 2005. Lawman likes eye in sky as monitor, from www.washingtontimes.com.

Wood, Daniel, July 11, 2006. Drones: The Future Of Policing Web site: www.cbsnews.com.