ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the intersection of drone technology and law enforcement, with particular emphasis on the two central issues-use by law enforcement and detection and mitigation.
The chapter begins with a discussion on the operational and financial benefits that drone technology presents to law enforcement as well as an overview of common and extraordinary uses by law enforcement. The consortium of federal laws and regulations addressing law enforcement’s use of drones is also a focus, as well as an acknowledgement of state and local laws which seek to regulate this area. The chapter goes on to address privacy and surveillance concerns regarding law enforcement drones, as well as discuss common approaches police agencies have taken to address these concerns.
The chapter concludes with an in-depth discussion about the legal landscape surrounding law enforcement’s ability to detect and mitigate malicious drone use as well as potential considerations designed to addressing legal gaps.
