Sacramento police to launch surveillance drone

[cboy4]

I'm sure it will be used for official police business only. :eyes:



The Sacramento Police Department is developing an unmanned aircraft to be used for surveillance at crime scenes and other emergencies.

The department is seeking approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to operate the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), which will be unveiled Thursday at a press conference, officials said.

The 12-pound aircraft will have the ability to transmit real-time video and infrared images to police officers on the ground and in helicopters, Police Chief Albert Najera said. Officials see the drone as a cost-effective alternative to police helicopters.

Similar devices are being tested in Miami and Houston, but no police departments have put unmanned aircraft into use.

"It's mind-boggling when we start brainstorming of how we can use it," Najera said.

KCRA3 news story, with drone video---------->http://www.kcra.com/news/14792055/detail.html#

[AlCzervik]

1. for buzzing the pot Fields.

[Cerridwen]

2. I'm thinking sling-shot.

:think:

[tomreedtoon]

3. Slingshot? Don't you mean Uzi?

For those planes to be effective, they have to fly low. I don't know, but I think submachinegun bullets travel awful high in the air. And if they don't, there's shotgun shells with one big metal ball in them that do. The really good shooters can undoubtedly get them with rifles.

I'm not urging the destruction of public property. I'm just pointing out how vulnerable these things can be, and what a waste of money they will ultimtely be. Wouldn't be surprised to see thugmobiles driving around LA with plane symbols painted on the driver's door, in the manner of fighter pilots announcing their kills.

[Cerridwen]

4. The article says 400 ft.

I'm not much for guns but I used to be pretty accurate with a sling-shot. :D Of course, I do okay with a .22 and tin cans. LOL

Anyway, it was just the first thought I had when I saw the baby drone.