In its proposed policy, the department explains situations where drones could be used. The department’s Crime Scene Unit would use them to capture aerial images of crime scenes for use by investigators and to use in court cases.
In tactical situations, the technology would be used for safer surveillance and apprehending suspects, the police department said in a news release Wednesday. Scenarios where a drone could be used include hostage rescues, police shootings, active shooters, arsons, high-risk raids, barricaded persons and homicides.
All drone pilots will have to go through a preparation course and be tested by the Federal Aviation Administration, the news release said. All flights should follow FAA regulations and BPD’s standard operations procedures and policies, the department said.
Use of the unmanned technology in law enforcement has prompted concerns from privacy and civil liberties advocates, who worry that police agencies could shift to more intrusive uses as they expand their drone programs.
To provide feedback on the policy, you can go to https://www.baltimorepolice.org/transparency/bpd-policies/1512-small-unmanned-aircraft-system-suas.
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