The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) will deploy four drones in the French Quarter and CBD areas before Halloween to enhance crime-fighting efforts in high-profile locations.
At a luncheon hosted by the Police & Justice Foundation, NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick announced the initiative, describing the drones as “first responders” that will be used to spot crimes and track suspects in the area.
“It’s really no different than the internet, we get so much benefit from it, but there’s a dark web out there and in all of our technology there are pros and cons,” Kirkpatrick said.
She emphasized that the program will include guardrails and policies to ensure proper use of the technology.
“Those are great tools in the arsenal of fighting crime,” Kirkpatrick said.
While some business owners in the French Quarter welcome the drones, others remain skeptical.
In August, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) called for the NOPD to suspend its drone program, citing concerns over privacy and potential abuse.
“Everything that that drone may or may not see, while on the way or while in the area,” the ACLU said.
The drones are being funded in part by money raised by the Police & Justice Foundation.
NOPD has pledged to work with all involved parties to address concerns.
“I do believe in guardrails, they are important in the policy and application,” Kirkpatrick said
Jefferson Parish, which already uses over 20 drones daily, has reported success with the technology.
READ MORE:NOPD to deploy drones in French Quarter before Halloween
