NYPD’s Drone Program Sparks Debate: Safety Innovation or Privacy Risk?

The NYPD’s new drone program aims to bolster public safety, but privacy concerns loom large.

At a Glance

NYPD launches “Drone as First Responder” for quicker emergency response.
Drones equipped with high-tech features stationed at key NYPD houses.
Critics raise privacy and surveillance concerns with drone program.
Integration with ShotSpotter sparks reliability issues.

Introducing the Drone First Responder Program

NYPD has initiated the “Drone as First Responder” program to enhance emergency response. Drones equipped with advanced cameras and audio devices autonomously head to emergency sites in Central Park, parts of Brooklyn, and the Bronx, providing visual and audio data to officers en route. This is a significant step towards faster emergency management. The program aims to handle situations like missing-person searches, gunfire alerts, and ongoing crimes more efficiently.

Drones cover emergency scenes in under 60 seconds, surpassing traditional response times. The live feeds from these drones are relayed to officers’ smartphones, enhancing real-time decision-making. The NYPD has invested substantially in tactical drones, such as Brinc Inc.’s Lemur 2, boasting thermal imaging capabilities and night vision. “The whole purpose of the drone is to get eyes and ears in dangerous places,” says Blake Resnick.

NEW: @NYCMayor and NYPD Interim Commissioner Donlon have unveiled the “Drone as First Responder” program, a new initiative designed to enhance the NYPD’s emergency response capabilities through the use of aerial autonomous vehicle technology.https://t.co/n85mt1DwbZ pic.twitter.com/skD97NNsvj

— City of New York (@nycgov) November 13, 2024

Concerns Over Privacy and Surveillance

While proponents highlight the benefits, critics voice concerns regarding privacy. Combining drones with ShotSpotter, a system criticized for false alerts, fuels these fears. Albert Fox Cahn warned, “These drones would be disturbing enough on their own, but pairing them with a discredited vendor like ShotSpotter is even worse.” Critics argue that false alarms—like mistaking fireworks for gunshots—could lead to unnecessary police deployment.

“These drones would be disturbing enough on their own, but pairing them with a discredited vendor like ShotSpotter is even worse. Recent reviews have found that the vast majority of ShotSpotter alerts are wild goose chases, sending the NYPD to the scenes of crimes that never happened. Sending robots chasing after phantom gunshots that are actually fireworks and car backfires is a privacy nightmare,” said executive director of the non-profit Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, Albert Fox Cahn.

Privacy advocates express concerns about surveillance. Some fear drones could be used beyond emergencies, infringing on civil liberties. Daniel Schwarz claims these tools were used to monitor protests, instilling fear among the public. NYPD assures the public that drone footage is deleted after 30 days unless required for legal purposes. The Legal Bureau oversees drone missions for accountability.

The NYPD is using even more drones to help keep New Yorkers safe!

Alongside New York's Finest on the ground, our new "Drone as First Responder" program is aimed at boosting response times and improving efficiency.

Learn more about the program: https://t.co/FLuc2x4jqf pic.twitter.com/dakTJ7mRGp

— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) November 14, 2024

Future Outlook on Urban Drone Technology

Mayor Eric Adams supports increasing drone use, noting the program exemplifies “precision policing in the 21st century.” Under Adams, the NYPD’s drone usage rose, with 48 deployments from January 2022 to March 2023, demonstrating technological advancements in urban law enforcement. More than 100 drones are now operated by 110 FAA-certified pilots. The program offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional helicopter operations.

“New York City is flying into the future as we keep New Yorkers safe. While the ‘Drone as First Responder’ program is what precision policing in the 21st century looks like, drone potential is really just taking off. We are leveraging the latest technology to enhance the NYPD’s emergency-response capabilities, remotely sending drones to the exact longitude and latitude of where an emergency call comes and sometimes in as little as a minute. These drones will mean more efficient policing and will help increase the safety of our responding NYPD officers and New Yorkers.” embattled Mayor Adams said of the program.

The NYPD plans to phase out foreign-made drones, addressing national security concerns. They envision drones delivering emergency equipment and flotation devices in the future, further enhancing their capabilities. As technology progresses, balancing operational needs with privacy concerns remains crucial. In a rapidly changing landscape, public oversight and accountability are essential for building trust in such programs.