NYPD Drone Program Transparency Issues Exposed

A new report from the New York City Department of Investigation (DOI) has raised concerns about the transparency of the NYPD's drone program. The report, released amidst a recent surge in drone sightings across the US East Coast, reveals that the NYPD's policies on drone use and impact "do not sufficiently disclose details related to the capabilities of the technology."

Key Findings:

• The report found that the NYPD's policies fail to fully disclose the capabilities of its drones, including autonomous flight features, mapping technologies, two-way communication, and glass-breaker attachments.
• It also points out a lack of disclosure regarding potential health and safety risks associated with drone operation, such as personal injury, property damage, and risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.
• The DOI criticized the NYPD for not accurately describing the approval, supervision, and reporting structure of its drone operations.

NYPD Drone Usage:

The NYPD's drone usage has significantly increased since 2019, with over 4,000 flight missions last year alone. These missions include search and rescue, disaster response, crime scene documentation, crowd monitoring, and active shooter situations. A new "Drone as First Responder" program is now operational in five commands across three boroughs. This program deploys drones to priority public safety calls, sometimes within a minute of receiving an emergency call.

Public Concerns and Recommendations:

The report acknowledges that privacy advocacy groups have long expressed concerns about the potential for unwarranted surveillance. The DOI's recommendations include updating the NYPD's policies to provide a complete and accurate picture of drone operations, thus increasing public transparency. Mayor Eric Adams has defended the program, highlighting its use in emergency response.

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