New Orleans Police Clarify Drone Policy After Draft Allowing Weapons Emerges Online
The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) has clarified its official drone policy following the brief online publication of an early draft that would have permitted police drones to carry weapons with superintendent approval. According to 404 Media, the NOPD stated that the document was a preliminary version. The department confirmed its current policy, effective July 1, explicitly bans small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) from being equipped with weapons or hazardous materials.
A draft New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) drone manual, which contained provisions for police drones to be equipped with weapons given written approval from the superintendent, was briefly published online.
Following its appearance, the NOPD stated that this document was an early draft. The department emphasized that its current and officially adopted policy, live since July 1, prohibits drones from carrying any form of weapons or hazardous materials.
The current policy explicitly states, "The sUAS shall not be equipped with weapons or hazardous materials of any kind." The NOPD further clarified to 404 Media that the manual published on July 1 is the definitive version, with earlier versions having been drafts for review before the current policy's adoption.
The NOPD affirmed its stance, stating, "NOPD has made it clear we are not and will not be equipping drones with weapons or other hazardous materials." The department did not provide answers to subsequent questions regarding how or why the draft version of the manual was initially published.
The emergence of a police drone manual contemplating armed quadcopters highlights ongoing considerations within drone companies and law enforcement agencies concerning the potential armament of such devices. New Orleans has historically been noted for its early adoption of camera and drone-based policing strategies, sometimes employing tactics that have drawn public scrutiny.
According to Slashdot, the NOPD's current policy reflects a different approach than the earlier draft.
