Denver Begins New Drone Program
The Denver Police Department is taking to the skies with a new initiative that incorporates drones into their 911 response toolkit. Despite recent budget cuts, the department is pushing forward with a drone program funded by a $100,000 grant from the Denver Police Foundation. This move aligns Denver with other Colorado law enforcement agencies already utilizing drone technology to enhance their operations.
The plan is ambitious. Over the next six to twelve months, Denver police aim to acquire multiple drones and establish a robust drone program. These drones are envisioned as first responders, capable of reaching critical situations quickly and providing valuable aerial footage to officers on the ground. Phil Gonshak, director of the department’s Strategic Initiatives Bureau, clarified that drones would not replace officers but would instead assist in assessing situations before officers arrive, ensuring resources are used efficiently.
This initiative follows in the footsteps of the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, which has been using drones since 2017. Their 14 pilots have utilized 20 drones for various tasks, including tracking suspects, searching for missing persons, providing surveillance during SWAT operations, and mapping crime scenes. Sergeant Jeremiah Gates of Arapahoe County sees drones as an inevitable part of law enforcement's future, highlighting their potential to save resources and respond to emergencies faster than officers hampered by traffic.
The benefits of drones are clear. They can quickly provide a bird’s-eye view of a scene, allowing officers to better assess situations before arriving. This can prevent unnecessary deployments and ensure that officers are sent only where truly needed. For instance, drones could be used to monitor traffic light outages or investigate suspicious vehicles, potentially clearing situations without the need for direct officer intervention.
However, the program is not without its critics. Laura Moraff of the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado voiced concerns about privacy and the potential for over-policing, particularly in communities of color. The presence of drones could alter public behavior and create a sense of constant surveillance, impacting free speech and protest activities.
Despite these concerns, other Colorado law enforcement agencies are also exploring drone use. The Littleton Police Department employs drones to monitor large public events, while the Loveland Police Department has used a drone to deliver a defibrillator to a patient before paramedics arrived. Commerce Police Department plans to launch drones for 911 calls within the next year, emphasizing the cost efficiency compared to deploying officers.
The Denver Police Department has already laid the groundwork for their drone initiative, drafting a “Drones as a First Responder Program” policy and training several pilots. While there are logistical challenges, such as maintaining line-of-sight operation and adhering to Federal Aviation Administration regulations, the department is committed to being transparent and conscientious in its drone use. They assure the public that drones will not be used for invasive surveillance, such as peering through windows without warrants.
This drone program is part of a broader strategy to modernize and enhance law enforcement capabilities in Denver. Despite facing significant budget cuts to support the city’s migrant crisis, the department is investing in technology to maintain public safety and respond more effectively to emergencies.
As drones become more integrated into law enforcement, the balance between innovation and civil liberties will remain a critical discussion. Denver's initiative is a significant step in this evolving landscape, promising both potential benefits and challenges.