GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Dozens spoke out against the Grand Rapids Police Department having drones Tuesday night.
"More opportunities to track more people," said one person during public comment. "An easier way."
During the Grand Rapids City Commission's public hearing on the issue, Chief Eric Winstrom emphasized the department's privacy policy saying that drones, also called "unmanned aerial systems," would not be used for surveillance. He says they would be used for large scale events like Fourth of July Fireworks, Riverbank Run, hazmat situations, disasters, searching large areas and other instances.
"Other issues that [affects] other places in the country," said Chief Winstrom. "Like weaponization or facial recognition is not a concern here simply because they are prohibited."
However, not everyone at the public hearing agreed with the Chief.
"Just because something is a policy or a law, doesn't mean they'll follow it," said another person at the meeting.
GRPD would not be the first department to use drones in the state of Michigan. According to Chief Winstrom, departments in Walker, Wyoming, Kentwood, Big Rapids, Kalamazoo and Lansing also use the technology.
The chief said drone use will make a positive difference in policing.
"You deserve adequate police service and you should be expected to receive that in the second biggest city in Michigan," said Chief Winstrom. "Because of the benefits of this drone program, I think it's the right thing to do for the citizens of Grand Rapids."
Tuesday's public hearing was disrupted several times by the audience. The mayor even called a short recess until the situation calmed down. The city commission will vote on the drones at a later date.
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