Seattle mayor ends police drone efforts

February 7, 2013 @ 3:53 pm

SEATTLE (AP) - The mayor of Seattle is ending the police department's drone program after local residents protested.

Mayor Mike McGinn announced Thursday the Seattle police department will not use two small drones it obtained through a federal grant. McGinn says the unmanned aerial vehicles will be returned to the vendor.

The police department had said drones will be used to provide an overhead view of large crime scenes, serious accidents, disasters and search and rescue operations. The department had said drones won't be used for random surveillance and won't carry weapons.

A city council meeting Wednesday had drawn strong criticism of the program by members of the community. The city council was considering an ordinance giving police the authority to use them.


(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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Comments (3)


  • Add A Comment

  • sportsguru wrote...
    Uh huh
    October 26, 2012 5:38 am

    "Police say they plan to use a mini-helicopter to take photos or video of some accidents and crime scenes."

    Yeah sure that's the reason for it,lol. I have a 520 bridge for sale as well.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • CH wrote...
    REPUBLICANS NEED practice WITH THEIR
    February 7, 2013 7:18 am
    assault guns.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • CH wrote...
    The city council was considering an ordinance giving police the authority to use them.
    February 7, 2013 4:35 pm
    until the republicans showed up with their GUNS!! Mayor went running for the hills. West Seattle?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }