NYPD Drones: Saving Lives and Solving Crimes
Drones Deployed Over 4,000 Times in NYC
NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry says drones have been deployed over 4,000 times to 911 calls throughout the city, including to identify and stop teens from subway surfing, monitor protests, relay data information on beaches regarding shark sightings and aiding swimmers in distress, responding to armed, barricaded suspects, and more.
Aiding in a Home Invasion
This summer, NYPD drones sprung into action in Queens after a group of four men broke into a home and held its occupants hostage. The drones were deployed because inclement weather made it impossible to use department helicopters. One drone was able to follow one of the suspects without him being aware the device was even giving chase. Thermal imaging technology enabled the drone to track the perpetrator in the dead of night precisely.
Success Stories
The NYPD says it has had drones in its repertoire for some time, but the department states it was able to jumpstart its use of the hardware about two years ago. Since then, Daughtry says that NYPD drones have been deployed more than 4,000 times in responding 911 calls throughout the city. The uses range from identifying and stopping teens from subway surfing, monitoring protests, relaying data information on beaches regarding shark sightings and aiding swimmers in distress, responding to armed, barricaded suspects, and more.
Civil Rights Concerns
However, despite what the department touts as numerous success stories, civil rights advocates have suggested the drones are an infringement of personal privacy. Daughtry pushed back on this, pointing to the Flushing home invasion as a situation in which he believes drones were able to save lives.
Future Developments
Daughtry also revealed that the NYPD is working on developing a dashboard in which New Yorkers will be able to type in their address and see why a drone was called to their location. The department is also examining other ways in which drones can be useful, from providing defibrillators to first responders rendering life-saving medical aid, to dropping off Narcan to assist someone suffering from a drug overdose.
Conclusion
The NYPD drone program has had a significant impact on the city, with over 4,000 deployments in the past two years. While some may raise concerns about privacy, the department’s success stories, such as the Flushing home invasion, demonstrate the potential life-saving benefits of drone technology.
FAQs
Q: How many times have NYPD drones been deployed?
A: Over 4,000 times to 911 calls throughout the city.
Q: What are some of the uses of NYPD drones?
A: Identifying and stopping teens from subway surfing, monitoring protests, relaying data information on beaches regarding shark sightings and aiding swimmers in distress, responding to armed, barricaded suspects, and more.
Q: Have there been any successful uses of NYPD drones?
A: Yes, including the recent brush fire in Prospect Park, where drones were used to assess the extent of damage and aid in firefighting efforts.
Q: Are there any concerns about the use of NYPD drones?
A: Some civil rights advocates have raised concerns about the potential infringement of personal privacy.
