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Thursday, October 11, 2012

Crime Does the SPD Plan to Expand Its Drone Program?

Posted by Dominic Holden on Thu, Oct 11, 2012 at 4:14 PM

Hot tipper Cody points our attention to MuckRock: "The Seattle Police Department plans to expand its drone program over the next year with the purchase of two additional units, documents released to MuckRock indicate." The SPD also rescinded its restrictions on drone use in August directive, the post says.

When the program's existence came to light last spring—surprising of the Seattle City Council—it raised questions about drones being used to spy on civilians.

So what gives? Is the MuckRock post, which details several communications involving the SPD, correct? Sergeant Sean Whitcomb said this afternoon, "We have no plans to purchase any other drones at this time."

Hmm.

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Comments (9) RSS

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If it can zap some stick up artist in the ass during a hold up, or use Sidewinder missiles on a meth lab...then buy more drones.

http://www.airdrycompany.com/images/side…

Posted by Supreme Ruler Of The Universe

on October 11, 2012 at 5:16 PM

couldn't a couple 20 dollar remote control toy helicopters take one of those things down by "accident" ?

Posted by derrickito on October 11, 2012 at 5:17 PM

#2

Alternatively, a well aimed Roman Candle?

Posted by Supreme Ruler Of The Universe

on October 11, 2012 at 5:36 PM

Hell, you could probably do it with a wrist rocket and a ball bearing...

Posted by COMTE

on October 11, 2012 at 5:53 PM

There are drones and there are drones. Could be a useful tool, a disastrous invasion of privacy or both. Details matter a lot. Thanks for keeping an eye on developments.

Posted by david on October 11, 2012 at 6:06 PM

@1, 2, and (ugh, you again?) 3: You ding-dongs realize that drones operate at rather high altitudes, altitudes well out of reach of roman candles, slingshots, BB guns, and other silly things? Slap yourselves in the face for me, right now, since I can't do it.

Posted by Dr_Awesome on October 11, 2012 at 6:58 PM

I swear I'm not a conspiracy theory wacko, okay? But a friend of mine thinks he saw a drone flying over Mountlake Terrace last week, and another friend thinks they saw one flying down south near Tacoma. So I wondered if maybe someone was testing drones, since they've been talking about police departments buying them. Has anyone else seen one?

Posted by BallardBoy on October 11, 2012 at 8:01 PM

Yeah, the drone will have a big ass laser guide taser to fire that ass up...;-D GBSEGWW

Posted by pupuguru on October 11, 2012 at 8:08 PM

@7, BallardBimbo,

"I swear I'm not a conspiracy theory wacko, okay?"

No, but you are definitely in the zero-information stooge category, since at last count there are approximately 30,000 drones operational in the USA, which not only fly out of a number of bases for overseas locales, but operate internally.

Posted by sgt_doom on October 12, 2012 at 10:29 AM