Civilian Panel OKs LAPD Drone Program

(Los Angeles, CA) — The LAPD could be getting a drone program, despite concerns over civil liberties. The civilian panel that oversees the Los Angeles Police Department approved today guidelines for such a effort. The guidelines are just that, and not a green light for the program. The Board of Police Commissioners still needs to okay that. A week ago, the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department civilian panel grounded that agency’s drone program. However, Sheriff Jim McDonnell says he’ll keep using drones. Critics feel that the unmanned aircraft could too easily be used for public surveillance.