New report addresses civil liberties concerns over law enforcement’s use of drones

A new report jointly issued by the Rutgers University Miller Center on Policing and Community Resilience, the Global Consortium of Law Enforcement Training Executives (GCLETE), and the Life Safety Alliance (LSA) addresses rising concerns from civil liberties groups over the use of drones by law enforcement. The comprehensive white paper presents evidence that unmanned aerial systems (UAS)—commonly referred to as drones—are saving lives, improving officer safety, and increasing police efficiency at a time when departments nationwide face severe staffing shortages.

The report responds directly to recent claims by organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which has warned that police drone programs may usher in an era of mass aerial surveillance. However, the report’s authors conclude that such fears are largely speculative or anecdotal.

“Civil liberties are a precious cornerstone of democratic societies,” said Michael Gips, co-author and President of the Life Safety Alliance. “We need to respect and preserve them. But our analysis shows that drones are being used responsibly and transparently, with policies and oversight already in place in many jurisdictions.”

The 32-page report:

• Cites dozens of examples of drones aiding search-and-rescue, criminal apprehension, and public safety.
• Highlights a 150% increase in law enforcement drone use since 2018, driven by proven effectiveness.
• Details model policies, such as the “Five Cs” framework by DRONERESPONDERS, which emphasize privacy, transparency, accountability, and community engagement.
• Explores case law demonstrating that the U.S. legal system effectively balances competing interests in law enforcement drone use.
• Presents a sample department policy ensuring strict compliance with FAA regulations, data retention rules, and privacy safeguards.
• Documents the most significant relevant literature on law enforcement drone use.

Paul Goldenberg, Chief Advisor to the Miller Center and former DHS Senior Advisor, added, “Now is the time to inform—not inflame—the public about how drones can serve communities while upholding civil rights. This report does just that.”

The authors argue against halting Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs, as recommended by the ACLU, stating that the benefits of drone deployment far outweigh theoretical risks. In fact, the report cites hundreds of successful missions, including the rescue of missing persons, apprehension of violent offenders, and disaster response.

“Let’s not use fear to undermine a tool that protects our communities,” said Dr. David Grantham, national security expert and co-author. “We need thoughtful policy, not paralysis.”

The full white paper is available upon request or at https://www.lifesafetyalliance.org/_files/ugd/3c766b_265634b2cde544bc89861f1cb8538a4d.pdf.