NPR

NYPD Chief Defends New Drone Fleet Amid Concern From Civil Rights Advocates

The New York City Police Department says the new drones will help with hostage situations and search and rescue operations.
This February 2017 photo provided by DJI Technology Inc. shows a test of a type of drone in downtown Denver, that the New York Police Department can use to reduce risk to officers and bystanders during a response to dangerous situations. The department said Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, that potential uses for its 14 drones include search and rescue, hard-to-reach crime scenes, hostage situations and hazardous material incidents. (DJI Technology Inc. via AP)

The New York City Police Department this week unveiled a fleet of 14 drones it says will help with a variety of uses, from hostage situations to search and rescue operations. But privacy advocates have concerns.

NYPD Chief of Department Terence Monahan says drones will allow police to do their job more effectively and that the technology will only be deployed in “specific instances,” like the New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square. New York is the largest city in the U.S. so far to turn to drones for police use, but not the first.

“It’s definitely not going‘s Jeremy Hobson. “It’s not going to be used for surveillance on individuals. This is going to be used to specific police functions.”

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR4 min read
A Car-free Town In The Amazon Serves Lessons For Pedaling To Net Zero Emissions
Afuá, a remote town in the Brazilian Amazon, banned motor vehicles over 20 years ago. Writer Mac Margolis and photographer Stefan Kolumban paid the town a visit to see what life is like.
NPR17 min readAmerican Government
What Did Trump Say? Explaining The Former President's Favorite Talking Points
Former President Donald Trump continues to ratchet up his rhetoric on the campaign trail, but if someone doesn't follow Trump all the time, decoding his meaning can get confusing. We're here to help.
NPR2 min read
Hiking The Azores Into Lush Mountains And Stormy North Atlantic Weather
NPR correspondent Brian Mann went trekking on Sao Miguel, one of the most remote islands in the North Atlantic. He found volcanic mountains, birdsong, solitude and lots of rain.

Related Books & Audiobooks