Mick Meaney, rinf.com |
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has raised concerns about the Seattle Police Department’s intention to use unmanned aerial drones to spy on citizens.
The first community meeting seeking public opinion on the department’s plan was attended by a furious crowd who gathered to protest and speak out against the invasive idea.
According to the Seattle Times, Jennifer Shaw, the deputy director of the ACLU of Washington said:
“‘I’m not really surprised that people are upset.
“It’s a frightening thing to think that there’s government surveillance cameras flying overhead.
“The ways that they say they can use the drones is too broad, they have a list of different emergencies and then a catchall phrase saying the drones can also be used in other situations if they get permission.”
During the meeting a man calling himself General Malaise shouted:
“We don’t trust you with the weapons you do have.”
Emma Kaplan from The October 22 Coalition to Stop Police Brutality said:
“We are not going to tolerate this in our city. This is unacceptable, NO DRONES!”
Another man, Matt. E, pointed out:
“Hasn’t anyone heard of George Orwell’s 1984? This is the militarization of our streets and now the air above us.”
The spy drones will carry a Lumix camera on the front and also has the ability to record infrared images. Assistant Chief Paul McDonagh claims the drones will not be used to record protests.
But as recent history has show, surveillance technology is usually introduced for one reason, but almost always used for another.