26 Jul, 2023 in Recent Events
The use of drones by Maryland police departments has stirred controversy, despite there being no state legislation restricting which drone manufacturers can be used by these agencies. Law enforcement agencies in Baltimore and other areas have reportedly been using drones from DJI, a company that has been banned in four states over national security concerns.
These sophisticated drones are equipped with high-powered cameras and can potentially break into private networks, according to NBC News. They have been utilized in various scenarios, including barricade situations, hostage rescues, and active shooter situations. However, some critics argue that the potential misuse of this technology could infringe on civil liberties.
This controversy is not limited to Maryland. Across the United States, law enforcement's expanding use of surveillance drones has sparked debate. While drones have many beneficial uses, such as in search-and-rescue missions, scientific research, and mapping, concerns about privacy violations and potential abuse of power cannot be ignored.
In Maryland, almost every police department and sheriff's office reported to the I-Team that they use DJI drones. Despite DJI being blacklisted by the U.S. Commerce Department for its alleged role in China's Uyghur detention camps, its drones remain legally on sale in the U.S. However, U.S. companies are prohibited from exporting their products for DJI use.
The Baltimore Police Department has outlined draft policies detailing the use cases for drone technology. The policy explicitly states that drones will not be used to establish probable cause for a search warrant, and they cannot be flown over crowds except in specific circumstances.
Despite these guidelines, questions remain. High-tech drones' capabilities, such as thermal imaging, allow officers to pinpoint locations or individuals in complete darkness, raising further concerns about potential misuse.
As the debate continues, it's clear that the conversation around police use of drones is far from over. Transparency, regulation, and open dialogue will be key in ensuring that this technology is used responsibly and ethically.