Philadelphia debates enlarging police drone operations

New or expanded drone operation by police is always a sensitive, when not controversial proposition and one requiring careful examination. And that’s just what Philadelphia City Council members did in discussing the idea when they got an up-close-and-personal gander at a UAV flown inside the meeting hall.

Philadelphia’s police have operated a limited number of drones since 2018, but in recent months calls have arisen to expand those capabilities to improve the department’s service to the community. As part of their deliberations Friday, City Council members witnessed a UAV being flown inside the official chambers for the first time in the August venue’s history, acting as a setup to experts detailing the benefits the craft can offer in various kinds of public activity.

Backers of adding drones to the Philadelphia Police Department’s four SWAT and one maritime search fleet argue performance of the craft by law enforcement over the past…