Cleveland Police Deploy Drone at Pro-Palestine Protest Despite Lacking DOJ Approval

A controversial drone deployment by Cleveland Police has sparked debate after officers used the unmanned aircraft to monitor protesters outside County Executive Chris Ronayne’s residence, despite lacking required Department of Justice authorization, reports Signal Cleveland.

Unauthorized Surveillance Operation

The Cleveland Division of Police confirmed through Sergeant Wilfredo Diaz that they operated a drone during Sunday’s demonstration against county investments in Israel Bonds. This action occurred before receiving mandatory DOJ approval of their recently passed drone policy.

Policy Status and Restrictions

The Cleveland Community Police Commission had just approved a drone framework, but with significant modifications. Notably, commissioners explicitly removed language that would have permitted monitoring of “individuals or groups within large gatherings or for crowd control.” This amendment came after community members, including Lucas Waggoner, criticized the original policy as being “intentionally vague” with “easily exploitable language.”

Equipment Ready, Authorization Pending

Safety Chair Michael Polensek revealed that ten police drones have been sitting unused at the Division of Police for years. While there’s been pressure to get these devices airborne, Commissioner Teri Wang emphasized that surveillance of large gatherings would be prohibited even after DOJ approval.

Legal and Civil Rights Implications

Police drones, essentially aerial camera platforms, have seen increasing adoption by law enforcement since 2005. The American Civil Liberties Union has raised significant concerns about potential Fourth Amendment violations regarding unreasonable searches and seizures through drone surveillance.

DroneXL’s Take

This incident highlights the growing tension between law enforcement’s desire to leverage drone technology and the need for proper oversight and policy frameworks. Similar to concerns raised in our coverage of data security and first responder operations, the Cleveland case demonstrates why comprehensive policies must be in place before deploying drone technology. The intersection of public safety and civil liberties requires careful consideration, particularly when implementing new surveillance capabilities.

What are your thoughts on police drone use at public gatherings? Share your perspective in the comments below.

Photo for illustration purposes only. Credit DJI.