The Rise of Drone-based Policing in Philadelphia

This wasn't just any standard meeting. It was driven by the City Council's commitment to understanding the technology better – and even included displays within the council chambers, captivating those in attendance. The council's move came in the wake of growing murmurs about drone operations in other regions. With numerous cities across the nation reaping the benefits of drone-based policing, it was only natural for Philadelphia to contemplate a more substantial investment in this direction. This could very well be the beginning of a more expansive and integrated drone journey for the city.

Here's a brief look at what happened:

The Experience of Other Cities

The adoption and potential expansion of drone technology in Philadelphia doesn't occur in a vacuum. Cities across the U.S. have embraced drone-based policing, each with unique strategies, results, and lessons.

Chula Vista, CA’s Drone Impact

Chula Vista, situated in California, offers a glowing testament to drone efficacy in policing. Police Chief Roxana Kennedy provided insights into their operations during Philadelphia's recent hearing. Their drone program hasn't just been about fancy gadgets in the sky. It's about results. The program's annual cost might exceed a million dollars, but the benefits are tangible. Drones have managed to cut down police response times significantly. According to Kennedy, in many situations, drones are on the scene in just about 90 seconds. More impressively, nearly a quarter of their police calls are resolved without the need for a uniformed officer arriving in a patrol car. That's not just efficient; it's transformative.

Brookhaven, Georgia’s UAS Program

Brookhaven, Georgia, adopts a slightly different approach. With a sprawling 12 square mile area housing over 65,000 residents, their drone strategy is tailored for their unique urban landscape. Abrem Ayana, who's part of Brookhaven's UAS program, stressed that their drones don't aim for "proactive policing." Instead, they assist officers on the ground, acting as eyes in the sky when needed. The drones, equipped with high-powered cameras, primarily hover over areas with high 911 call volumes, ensuring they aren't misconstrued as tools targeting high-crime neighborhoods or specific communities. Ayana's approach sidesteps potential controversies around bias. They've positioned their drones to be seen as tools of assistance, not as surveillance hawks. "We've stationed our drones where they're most needed, based on 911 calls," Ayana emphasized, highlighting a reactive approach that's been successful for them.

In a rapidly evolving world, where tech often intertwines with daily operations, these cities' experiences offer invaluable insights. As Philadelphia considers the future of its drone program, learning from Chula Vista and Brookhaven's successes and challenges will be instrumental.

Potential Expansion of Drone Policing in Philadelphia

Philadelphia's exploration into expanding drone-based policing sparks a mix of enthusiasm and caution, shaped by experiences from other cities and rooted in the city's own history.

Support from Philadelphia Officials

City Council President Darrell Clarke, a prominent figure in local governance, voices a clear inclination towards the drone program. He sees it as a progression, an additional tool in the city's crime-fighting arsenal, emphasizing the role of drones not just in response but in prevention. Clarke's sentiment is, "prevention is always our preference," underscoring the city's intent to leverage technology for proactive measures.

Echoing Clarke's perspective is Deputy Commissioner Frank Healy, who showcases an openness to embracing innovative technologies. He's clearly impressed, even a tad "jealous", after witnessing presentations from cities like Chula Vista and Brookhaven. Their success stories have fueled Healy's curiosity on how Philadelphia can create its own drone success narrative, tailored to its unique challenges and opportunities.

Concerns and Considerations

Yet, embracing drone technology isn't without its reservations. Philadelphia's journey with surveillance tools has evolved over the years, with a well-established fixed camera system in place. Integrating drones would mean merging aerial views with ground surveillance, a move that naturally sparks concerns around residents' privacy and constitutional rights.

The concerns aren't new. In 2018, when the city first dipped its toes into the drone world, they actively engaged with civil rights attorneys to navigate the intricate maze of privacy issues. The lessons from that engagement will undoubtedly shape any future expansions.

Current State of Drone Use in Philadelphia

Let’s get into the heart of Philly's current drone operations for a clearer picture of their established capabilities and aspirations.

Tactical Uses and Future Expansion

Since 2018, Philadelphia's law enforcement has incorporated drone technology in their modus operandi, albeit in a limited manner. The SWAT unit, known for handling high-intensity situations, boasts four tactical drones, each with specific applications that enhance the team's efficiency and safety. These drones have been pivotal during events like barricaded situations, offering the team an aerial advantage to strategize their approach. Additionally, drones have played a role in overseeing large crowds during major events on the Parkway, providing an elevated viewpoint that assists in crowd control and monitoring.

Looking towards the horizon, Philly's drone arsenal is set to expand. A new addition is in the pipeline for the Marine Unit, geared specifically for water searches. This exemplifies the city's intent to leverage drone technology across varied terrains and situations.

Anticipation and Expectations

There is keen interest in adapting and integrating the successes of Chula Vista, Brookhaven  and other cities into Philadelphia's context. The sentiment resonates with an eagerness to learn and evolve. It's clear that the future of drone-based policing in Philadelphia is not just about increasing numbers but about optimizing their utilization for broader public safety goals.

Embracing the technological advances of other cities, Philly sees a promising future for drone-based policing, marrying efficiency with the age-old goal of public safety. Yet, as the city's leadership ventures deeper into this tech-integrated policing, a balanced approach is essential. Ensuring that residents' privacy and constitutional rights aren't overshadowed by technological allure will be paramount. In essence, the city's journey with drones embodies a broader narrative: innovation should always be in service of the community, not just a showcase of prowess.