An eye in the sky may soon be the norm at parades and other outdoor events in Illinois, thanks to a new law expanding Police departments’ drone surveillance powers. Signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, the law, which took effect immediately, allows local police to use drones at outdoor, government-hosted events, in response to 911 calls, and for other specific scenarios. However, “any political protest, march, demonstration, or other assembly protected by the First Amendment” is off-limits to drone surveillance.

The expanded powers allow law enforcement to use Police Drones at events such as parades, walks, races, concerts, or food festivals, with size requirements for drone use dependent on the size of the host municipality.

This development follows the tragic mass shootings at the Henry Pratt Company in Aurora in 2019 and the July 4th parade in Highland Park in 2022.

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Source: dronexl.co