Drones are likely going to prove too cost-efficient and too effective at spying for most law enforcement agencies to resist using them on Americans. That’s the unfortunate long-term reality of the situation. But at the moment, at least some U.S. states are putting up a fight, trying to limit the scenarios in which it would be legal to use drones to monitor American citizens. The Montana legislature has taken up the fight as a bi-partisan measure, with Democrats and Republicans working together to ensure that Montana is free from drones overhead.
And while these measures are an important attempt to limit the use of drones, it’s clear that drones are an inevitable part of American life. Even states like Montana are only trying to limit the use of drones without a search warrant. Of course, given the non-invasive nature of the drone surveillance, it’s reasonable to expect judges to allow warrants more easily. And, it’s quite possible that law enforcement officials could employ drones and only make their intelligence known "after" a warrant is obtained on other grounds. Regardless of the legal nuances, drones appear to be on their way and will probably remain a visible and consistent part of the American experience.
And even if some states are successful in limiting local law enforcement agencies from using drones, the federal government and federal agencies will not be required to honor any state laws regarding drone use. So, drones can and will be used at any time at the federal level. And once this Pandora’s box is officially opened, it will only be a matter of time before criminals and terrorists are also employing drones overhead to gather intelligence for their operations. This is all coming soon, it's only a matter of time.
And while these measures are an important attempt to limit the use of drones, it’s clear that drones are an inevitable part of American life. Even states like Montana are only trying to limit the use of drones without a search warrant. Of course, given the non-invasive nature of the drone surveillance, it’s reasonable to expect judges to allow warrants more easily. And, it’s quite possible that law enforcement officials could employ drones and only make their intelligence known "after" a warrant is obtained on other grounds. Regardless of the legal nuances, drones appear to be on their way and will probably remain a visible and consistent part of the American experience.
And even if some states are successful in limiting local law enforcement agencies from using drones, the federal government and federal agencies will not be required to honor any state laws regarding drone use. So, drones can and will be used at any time at the federal level. And once this Pandora’s box is officially opened, it will only be a matter of time before criminals and terrorists are also employing drones overhead to gather intelligence for their operations. This is all coming soon, it's only a matter of time.