A Department of Investigation (DOI) Report Critiques NYPD Drone Usage
A Department of Investigation (DOI) report released on Dec. 18, 2024 found that while the NYPD has stepped up its drone usage in recent years, it has done so without following proper supervision protocol or its outlined chain of command.
More Drones, Less Protocol
During the Adams administration, the NYPD has increasingly relied upon drones for various purposes — from attempting to locate lost swimmers on the city’s beaches; to assisting the FDNY in battling wildfires; to monitoring protests; and to locating alleged criminals.
DOI Report’s Findings
The DOI report focused on the NYPD’s compliance with the Public Oversight of Surveillance Technology (POST) Act, which was enacted in 2020 to police the NYPD’s surveillance efforts in both patrolling New York City and responding to incidents.
Key Findings
* The NYPD’s IUP concerning drone operations did not fully disclose device capabilities such as mapping technologies, communication capabilities, and a gizmo that can smash glass when required.
* The policy did not fully outline potential health and safety risks and the risks of damage to both public and private property associated with drone usage.
* Multiple units within the department had their own drone programs, including the Transit Bureau, the Highway Patrol’s Collision Technician Group, the Emergency Services Unit, the Counterterrorism Division, and the Office of the Chief of Department.
* The commanding officer for a newly-formed Drone Team within the NYPD reports directly to the Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Kaz Daughtry, rather than Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, which is in conflict with the chain of command outlined in the NYPD IUP.
DOI Report’s Recommendations
The DOI issued 10 recommendations for the NYPD to follow, all of which focus on updating its IUP for drone operations — including:
* Clearly outlining the approval, supervision, and reporting structure for drone operations
* Listing all drone capabilities
* Fully disclosing health and safety impacts
* Clearly establishing that the automated flight log information should be posted in FORMS, rather than maintained by TARU
Conclusion
The DOI report makes it clear that the NYPD’s drone usage is not being properly monitored, and that the department is not following its own guidelines. The report’s findings and recommendations emphasize the need for increased transparency and accountability in the NYPD’s drone operations.
FAQs
Q: What is the Public Oversight of Surveillance Technology (POST) Act?
A: The POST Act was enacted in 2020 to police the NYPD’s surveillance efforts in both patrolling New York City and responding to incidents.
Q: What are the key findings of the DOI report?
A: The report found that the NYPD’s IUP concerning drone operations did not fully disclose device capabilities, potential health and safety risks, and the risks of damage to both public and private property associated with drone usage.
Q: What are the DOI’s recommendations for the NYPD?
A: The DOI issued 10 recommendations for the NYPD to follow, all of which focus on updating its IUP for drone operations.
Q: What is the purpose of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (STOP)?
A: The Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (STOP) is a nonprofit watchdog that aims to stop mass surveillance and reinforce individual rights to privacy.
