Activists Demand Mayor Prohibit LAPD's Use of Drones

Saying the use of drones would violate the privacy rights of Angelenos and further “militarize” local law enforcement, activists called on Mayor Eric Garcetti today to prevent the use of the remote-controlled aircraft recently obtained by the Los Angeles Police Department.

“We demand the mayor to prohibit the use of drones by LAPD,” Hamid Khan, an organizer for the Stop LAPD Spying Coalition, said.

Khan’s group, part of the Drone-Free LAPD/No Drones, LA! coalition, sent a letter to Garcetti earlier this month requesting a meeting, but the get- together has not yet been planned.

“They’re saying the mayor’s busy. What we’re saying is, he’s not too busy for this issue. It is extremely critical,” Khan said.

A pair of Draganflyer X6 drones were given to the LAPD by Seattle earlier this year, but they have not yet been deployed, with the city awaiting permits from the FAA.

Police Chief Charlie Beck said in June the drones could be used during tactical events such as manhunts and standoffs. But he also said the department plans to work closely with the American Civil Liberties Union to ensure the drones would not infringe on individual privacy rights.

The chief also defended accepting the drones, saying such devices are already being used by private citizens, businesses and sports teams.

Drones would be the latest addition to the LAPD’s arsenal of military equipment that already includes tear gas, assault guns, SWAT tanks, helicopters and stun grenades, activists said today.

Even if the drones are initially confined to narrow uses, they could easily undergo “mission creep,” in which the list of situations in which they are used expands over time, said Erin Darling, co-president of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Lawyers Guild.

“We must not be seduced by the latest and greatest of military tools,” Darling said, adding the city “opens itself up to expensive litigation over constitutional issues when it uses drones.”

“The use of military technology by local law enforcement is a Pandora’s box that must remain closed,” he said.

--City News Service

PHOTO Patch file photo.