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The Conversation
The Conversation
Politics
Robert Kane, Professor of Criminology and Justice Studies, Drexel University

Lessons from ‘stop and frisk’ can help Philly police use drones to improve safety without compromising civil liberties

Aerial view of South Philadelphia neighborhood. halbergman/E+ Collection via Getty Images

Philadelphia’s plans to expand its use of police-operated drones signals a pivotal shift in how the city seeks to protect – and surveil – its citizens.

According to the city’s Citizen Police Oversight Commission, the Philadelphia Police Department had two drones as of early 2024. These were, the commission says, primarily used by SWAT teams to scout locations before serving high-risk warrants.

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