Whitehall Police Force Adds $49K Drone Amid Privacy Concerns

The city of Whitehall, Ohio, has approved the purchase of a $49,000 police drone, sparking debate over privacy and transparency. The decision, made on October 1, passed with a 5-2 vote despite concerns from some council members and community residents.

Drone Details and Intended Use

The high-tech drone, supplied by Paladin, comes with strict usage policies. Police Chief Mike Crispen stated that the drone will be subject to similar regulations as other police recording systems, like body cameras and license plate readers.

He emphasized that the drone’s camera must be activated to record, and when en route, the camera points to the horizon, not toward private property. Importantly, it’s “never” allowed to be used unless responding to a 911 emergency call.

Privacy Concerns and Council Debate

Councilmember Gerald Dixon, who voted against the ordinance, expressed frustration with the lack of policy transparency before the vote.

“They wanted no input on policies before the vote. I’m certain my thoughts on policy post-vote will receive the same consideration,” Dixon said.

Other concerns raised included a lack of clarity on whether the $49,000 fee is annual or one-time, questions about future funding sources, and insufficient answers during the council meeting’s livestream.

Assurances and Regulations

Chief Crispen attempted to allay fears by stating: “I am aware that a few people are concerned with it; they have every right to be cautious and protective of their privacy rights. As such, I can only reaffirm my commitment to ensuring the drone program, as well as everything we do, is in line with sound Constitutional principles rooted in civil liberties.”

The drone will require supervisor approval for dispatch, and any use will be documented with user identification to maintain accountability.

Broader Context

Whitehall isn’t pioneering this technology in central Ohio. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office has been using drones since 2017, one of only four law enforcement agencies nationwide to do so at the time. These drones assist in searches and provide overwatch, having successfully located two lost hunters in the past.

According to the ACLU, over 1,400 police departments were using drones as of July 2023, indicating a growing trend in law enforcement technology adoption.

DroneXL’s Take

The adoption of drones by police departments is a growing trend that offers significant benefits for public safety, as we’ve seen in recent first responder drone operations. While privacy concerns are valid, the strict usage policies and accountability measures implemented by Whitehall PD are steps in the right direction.

As more departments adopt this technology, it’s crucial to balance public safety needs with privacy protections. The successful use of drones in operations like locating lost hunters demonstrates their potential for saving lives and improving police efficiency.

What are your thoughts on police departments using drones? Share your opinion in the comments below.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​