LANSING, MI (WTVB) – The Michigan State Police could become the first statewide Enforcement Agency to have its own drone. They are seeking approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to put it into operation. They already have a training permit.
Some have complained that the drones could be used for illegal surveillance or invade the privacy of residents. The State Police have been working with the ACLU to draw up policies on the use of drones, mainly at crash and disaster scenes. They say it would reduce the time roads have to be closed if they can get a good photo from the air of the crash scene.
A State Police Team has been practicing with a $158,000 Aeryon SkyRanger helicopter drone for nearly a year.
