South Australian police will use sophisticated remote-controlled drones to spy on suspects as it takes the war on crime to new heights, literally. The stealthy miniature unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will carry still, video, and infra-red cameras.
SAPOL will be purchasing four „off the shelf“ commercial quadcopters through a tender process. The drones should be used to spy on bikie fortresses, find drug crops, and to gather intelligence without putting officers at risk.
Civil libertarians have protested the use of such devices saying they effectively mount to ‘Big Brother in the sky’ and could be used to monitor law abiding citizens in situations such as political protests.
However, Police Minister Michael O’Brien replies that UAVs have become a recognised policing tool throughout the world and he doesn’t see any reason why SAPOL should be an exception.
UAVs represent a cost effective solution for a range of policing operations, especially in situations when using conventional aircraft is too dangerous or costly
Mr O’Brien further explains „Privacy concerns will be addressed in a „similar manner to other police aerial operations“.
About 34 organisations across Australia are certified to use drones for activities including aerial photography, surveying and power line inspection.
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