An article by WOSU 89.7 NPR News shares:
The Columbus Division of Police announced a drone pilot program on Nov. 18. The Rapid Aerial Visual Enforcement Network, or RAVEN program, is designed to use drones in frontline police operations.
Examples of deployment scenarios include in-progress crimes such as burglaries, missing persons searches, and helping to pursue at-large suspects.
All 14 pilots assigned to the program are FAA certified and completed a two-week course covering policy, legal considerations, and scenario-based exercises.
Other Central Ohio Police Departments, including Dublin, Upper Arlington, and Reynoldsburg, have recently adopted similar drone programs to assist with law enforcement.
At the same time, the Columbus Division of Fire has also implemented new drones for use in detecting fires from the air and infrared imaging.
Critics say that drone usage by the police will erode privacy rights for ordinary citizens. Currently in Ohio, drones can legally fly over private property without permission or a warrant.
In a press release, the Columbus Division of Police affirmed that “Pilots are strictly prohibited from using drones in any way that would violate a reasonable expectation of privacy.”
Soaring to new heights, together.
Be sure to visit the BWU Technology Partnerships Initiative website to learn more about how our NEOFIX program drives economic growth, promotes policy and infrastructure to improve drone safety and efficiency in various industries, and ensures that drone technology is being used responsibly.