Police Drones

[Drusilla1S]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/5051142.stm

The LAPD has adapted military drone aircraft for use in civilian situations.

I am not normally an advocate of police surveillance of citizens, but I believe these could be an effective way of combatting joy riding youngsters on motorways/freeways. Part of the enjoyment of joyriding seems to be the thrill of the chase, but drones might prove a quieter, safer and more effective way of tracking thrill seeking car thieves.

Can anyone think of any other beneficial uses for drone aircraft or would you view their use as a step too far in policing methods?

[Drusilla1S]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/5051142.stm

I don't know why my link didn't work. Sorry.

[CT]

It's only a model plane from what I gather, so I doubt they'll be using it to follow car thieves. Seems like a good idea though, using it as a quiet surveillance camera, rather than a helicopter, which gives it's presence away by sheer noise.

[Drusilla1S]

Hi CT. Yes, I accept the prototype is not going to be capable of tracking car thieves at present, but if it proves successful in a limited surveillance role, I was thinking there may be upgrades in the future.

I just thought the silent tracking might prevent much of the high speed racing we see joyriders indulge in when they spot a police car on their tail.

[CT]

How about the full military job from the US. Equipped with missiles for taking out Osama. Instead use it for joy-riders and bank robbers.

[Toureman]

I am with you CT!

[Drusilla1S]

I like it Ct! I'm sure it would get the thumbs up from a lot of people, but maybe not from the person who's car has been half inched.