Flock drones with cameras deployed as first responders in some US cities amid privacy concerns
U.S. cities consider deploying Flock drones that automatically respond to emergency calls. However, other jurisdictions are pushing back against the service due to privacy and other concerns.
In the United States, several municipalities are piloting or signing contracts for Flock's Drones-as-First-Responder (DFR) system, a technology that utilizes remotely controlled drones to respond to emergency situations. These drones can be launched from rooftops and automatically deploy upon receiving a 911 call, license-plate reader notification, or gunshot detection alert.
Once airborne, they transmit real-time video to dispatchers and on-site officers. Flock acquired its DFR capability through the purchase of Aerodome, a drone company known for its high-definition video, thermal imaging, and other onboard features. While other firms also offer similar services, including one that provides Starlink-connected drones capable of operating beyond the range of a base station, the Flock system is particularly controversial due to privacy concerns.
Cities such as Fort Worth, Texas; Castle Rock, Colorado; Dunwoody, Georgia; Fulton County, Georgia; and Middletown, Connecticut, have either piloted the Flock DFR system or entered into contracts for its usage. During a two-month trial in Fort Worth, the drone responded to 162 emergency 911 calls, arriving first in 76 instances and enabling 11 to be cleared without deploying officers.
Notably, these units operate with cameras pointed at the horizon until reaching the scene. However, Flock has faced criticism over alleged security lapses and lack of transparency, despite the company asserting that it has never experienced a data breach. Local officials, while acknowledging the potential benefits of first-response drones, have raised concerns regarding privacy and potential federal data access, with some cities declining Flock's offers due to these apprehensions.
In Middletown, Connecticut, where the city council had previously approved a trial, the mayor declined to sign a contract, citing similar concerns. The primary source of opposition to Flock's DFR service is not the drones themselves but rather the public's mistrust in the company and the institutions employing such technology, which is likely to persist unless these underlying concerns are addressed.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Hardware's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
