Staff Reports
In parts of New York City, the police will start using drones as the first responders to serious crimes like shootings. They will test this program in five NYPD precincts in places like Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Central Park. The police want to use drones to help them respond to crimes faster and keep officers safe.
At a hearing about the program, some people questioned if using drones made in China could be a risk to national security. They worried that these drones might give unauthorized access to important systems and information. The NYPD Deputy Commissioner said they plan to start buying drones made in America instead. He also said that Chinese drones perform better than the American ones, but they want to make sure the drones are secure.
While drones are a useful tool for law enforcement, Chinese-manufactured DJI drones could pose a national security risk.
Kaz Daughtry of the NYPD tells @RepDesposito that the department is phasing out their DJI drones and ensuring that, in the meantime, their drones are secure. pic.twitter.com/KEWgjJh3yi
— House Homeland GOP (@HomelandGOP) May 16, 2024
Some people are worried about privacy because using drones for police work could affect people’s rights. They are concerned about how the footage from the drones will be used and shared. The NYPD Deputy Commissioner asked, “What level of expectation are you expected to have inside a park, a public park, a public street?”
The police want to use drones to help them do their job better, but some people are concerned about the risks and the impact on privacy.
