Metro confirms that it’s looking into the purchase of high tech drones that could be tracking your moves from the sky.
While it’s not a done deal yet, the I-Team has learned the unmanned crafts are already zipping around above our heads.
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Okay, the Sheriff wants to raise taxes because he says we are short on police officers and we need more cash to hire them, yet they are looking at little drone planes that probably cost a ton of money to track who? The felon running because there are not enough cops? the speeder because there is not enough enforcement on the ground?
Before we go high tech how about a little low tech and spend the money not on drones but human boots on the ground so we dont have to raise taxes as much.
Every company or government entity can think of a million reasons to have the newest toys on the block while forgetting the reasons for just doing the job they are currently doing a little better.
Comment by Ronald Greeer — February 15, 2008 @ 7:32 am
Mr. Greeer,
More boots on the ground does sound a lot better yes, but lets weigh the facts.
1. Humans need consistant training to keep up with a person that has nothing to lose. Police officers are doing a job that may get them killed.
2. Drones (unmanned vehicles) requires computer programing that never forgets. If it does forget you send in a technician to reload software. Software technicians are more likely not to be shot at during thier job.
3. Police officers use vehicles during a car chase with speeds that may exceed 100mph. Citizens may be at risk from the “getaway driver” or even the policeman that may accidentally hurt someone during the chase.
4. Drones will launch from a remote location, car chase slows down. Unsuspecting drivers both civilian and criminal are unaware of what is overhead. The drone waits for the criminals to calm down. The police come in to make an arrest while drone watches from above for any surprises that may linger.
5. The cost for a policeman or policewoman with salary and training could be well into the six figure range and not to forget the operating cost of the car and maintenance of the vehicles used.
6. Initially a drone could sound expensive, but over a course of lets say 5 years, operating cost would be a fraction of what it would take to “spin-up” or heaven forbid “replace” officers on the street.
Nevertheless the human element cannot be replaced by a drone or a mechanical device of some kind. I feel it is our duty to help protect them as much as we can because we can replace a wing on an aircraft, but we cannot replace a mother or father.
Comment by Nate — February 15, 2008 @ 4:59 pm
Let’s face it, cops like new toys. I agree, we need more actual police on the streets. Here in Summerlin, you hardy ever see them unless they are called.
Drones are a waste of money for the Vegas valley. This is not Afghanistan for God’s sake. Police departments all over the country are suckered and swindled by fast talking start up tech companies to sell them stuff they really don’t need.
Comment by Tommy Boy — February 20, 2008 @ 6:43 pm
I believe this is more than a City and State matter,rather it is a Goverment matter.People should be able to do more than “sound off”, The American people should Vote on it.What about the constitution?
Comment by Suzanne — May 3, 2008 @ 9:16 pm