Seattle Police Want More Drones, Even While Two Sit Unused 144
v3rgEz writes "The Seattle Police Department is seeking to buy more unmanned aerial vehicles (a.k.a. drones) even as the two it currently owns site warehoused until the city develops a policy for their use, documents released as part of the EFF and MuckRock's Drone Census show. More frightening than the $150,000 price tag? The fact that the drone vendors market the fact that these lease agreements do 'not require voter approval.'" Does your city or town use drones?
Re:Black Helicopters! Tinfoil! GUBBERMINT SPIEZ! (Score:5, Informative)
Well, if you are in Seattle, you only have to worry about the police if you are a minority armed with a sword or knife. In that event, expect to get murdered by cops with guns. I expect the UAVs are probably to locate minorities armed with knives more efficiently.
Or if you espouse left wing political ideas, or own anarchist literature or participate in protests against authority. http://www.greenisthenewred.com/blog/fbi-raid-anarchist-literature-portland-seattle/6267/ [greenisthenewred.com]
Re:Helicopters (Score:3, Informative)
I don't know if it is because of corrupt assholes, but this article here seems to show quite a bit more when completely outfitted for the police.
http://www.policeone.com/police-products/vehicles/articles/1359987-Police-helicopters-becoming-commonplace/ [policeone.com]
The bell 407 in the pic is said to cost 1.5 mil outfitted and ready for service. I doubt they go for the luxury copter but they probably do look for the air duty equivalent of a surplus military copter with some comforts not generally involved in a military helicopter like a cushioned seat. Helicopters used to be provided relatively cheap on a surplus offering from the military. I guess after 9/11, demand for them shot past the availability of the surplus crafts and private suppliers started offering specially outfitted helicopters for law enforcement purposed.
Re:Helicopters (Score:3, Informative)