The NYPD has launched a fleet of drones to address unexplained aerial activities spotted above New York and New Jersey.
According to the New York Post, the Joint Terrorism Task Force, including the NYPD, has activated this measure following recent mysterious drone sightings.
The presence of enigmatic drones has raised concerns, prompting a comprehensive investigation led by the Joint Terrorism Task Force. This includes collaboration from the NYPD, FBI, and state officials meticulously examining the occurrences.
NYPD spokesman Carlos Nieves confirmed the agency's active participation, noting, "We have NYPD detectives as well as FBI agents and state officials and they’re on it."
The NYPD's fleet consists of at least 109 drones. These Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), particularly the Skydio X10 models, have been incorporated through the NYPD’s Drone as a First Responder pilot program. Operating across five precincts, these drones are not armed but are described by their manufacturer as "combat-ready" and capable of significant operational adaptations including night vision.
Expansion and Training of NYPD's Drone Operations
The program started modestly with 14 drones in 2018 and has significantly expanded to meet growing operational needs. Around 60 NYPD officers have undergone FAA certification to pilot these UAVs to manage this advanced fleet effectively.
This skilled team handles a variety of critical tasks, demonstrating the program's value across several precincts including parts of Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Central Park.
Joseph Giacalone, a former NYPD detective, voiced concerns about the possible risks posed by these drones, especially with the looming New Year celebrations. “If I was working this New Year’s Eve, I’d be very concerned about these drones. I mean, we don’t know exactly what they’re doing, and it seems as if the government doesn’t know what’s going on either,” Giacalone said, highlighting the enigma surrounding these aerial devices.
The utilities of the NYPD's drone fleet are broad, ranging from routine surveillance to more intense law enforcement operations. In one noted instance, drones played a crucial role in an emergency response where a child’s safety was at stake. Deployed swiftly to the location, the drones provided real-time data that guided ground officers to intervene effectively.
Technological Edge and Public Safety Integration
Despite the sophistications such as having night-vision capabilities and the potential for rapid modification with various attachments, these drones do not possess facial recognition technology, ensuring a balance between surveillance capabilities and privacy concerns. Still, the NYPD makes clear these tools are pivotal in today’s policing, particularly in high-stakes environments.
Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry recounted an operation where the quick deployment of a drone made a significant difference. “They launched their Skydio X10 drones to that building,” Daughtry explained, detailing how the drone operator then directed patrol officers via radio to hasten their response.
The collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies underscores the seriousness with which this drone activity is being taken. The FBI, having acknowledged the sightings, has underscored its commitment to working alongside NYPD and other partners.
This teamwork is vital as the agencies navigate the complexities of drone technology and its implications for public safety in densely populated areas like New York City.
While the intentions behind these mysterious drones are yet unclear, the preparedness displayed by the NYPD and its partners highlights the evolving nature of urban security and the increasing role technology plays in safeguarding citizens.
