The Denver Police Department (DPD) has initiated a trial period with Flock, a technology company specializing in aerial surveillance solutions, particularly their Aerodome flying drones. This contract aims to evaluate the efficacy of these drones, which can potentially reach crime scenes more swiftly than human officers.
Flock, valued at $7.5 billion, is known for its automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras, already in use by DPD and various law enforcement agencies nationwide. However, the company has faced scrutiny over its data-sharing practices, especially since its license plate data has been accessible to immigration enforcement authorities.
According to a recent open records request obtained by Denverite, DPD’s contract with Flock is set for a trial phase that will last until next August. If the results are favorable, the Denver City Council may move forward with a paid contract as early as next year.
Flock promotes its technology as a means to enhance policing efficiency and safety, yet advocacy groups have expressed serious concerns regarding potential privacy violations due to the combination of drone surveillance and license plate readers. The Electronic Frontier Foundation recently highlighted the risks posed by Flock’s offerings, warning that their integrated surveillance capabilities could significantly infringe on civilian privacy rights as drone usage increases.
A DPD spokesperson explained that the department had been exploring drone technology as a First Responder program to better serve public safety needs in Denver. They noted that Flock’s presentation at a recent International Association of Chiefs of Police conference caught their interest, leading to the establishment of a no-cost pilot program.
The Flock drones are designed similarly to standard consumer drones, equipped with four propellers and a camera unit, and are capable of capturing audio and video, which will be stored for 30 days. Notably, local authorities have yet to deploy this new technology, and any recorded footage will be accessible via Colorado Open Records Act requests.
Once operational, DPD plans to develop a dashboard that will provide transparency regarding drone flights and operations. The drones, when deployed in response to 911 calls, will fly autonomously from a designated dock to the scene of an incident. Their capabilities include evaluating the situation and assessing danger levels, such as the presence of firearms.
Flock’s website illustrates a typical scenario in which a 911 call is received. When an operator selects an address, the drone identifies the quickest route and quickly flies to the location to provide crucial information, including license plate recognition. These drones can operate at altitudes of up to approximately 400 feet and speeds reaching 50 mph. They can track erratic driving behavior and detect gunshots, thereby aiding the police response.
The DPD spokesperson emphasized that these drones would offer real-time information to officers, enabling the department to determine the necessary level of police response or whether officers are needed at all. This technology allows a single operator the capacity to oversee multiple drones, ensuring continuous aerial support across the entire city.
According to data from Flock, around 20 percent of calls are resolved without requiring an on-site police presence. The drones reportedly take an average of 86 seconds to reach a call for service and have led to an 89 percent increase in the identification of subjects in areas where they are employed.
Flock describes its Aerodome system as a comprehensive, automated air support solution that facilitates rapid responses to bolster community and officer safety. The company’s promotional material claims that this advanced drone technology is more efficient and effective than prior methods.
The drones possess additional features such as thermal vision and night vision capabilities. This information can be relayed to other law enforcement officials and authorized emergency personnel.
In terms of legality, there currently are no specific regulations governing police drone usage in Colorado or the city of Denver. Earlier this year, the Denver City Council did not renew a prior Flock contract due to concerns over data-sharing practices. Flock’s CEO engaged with city lawmakers in an effort to advocate for the technology’s benefits. Recently, under the new administration of Mayor Mike Johnston, the contract was renewed without the financial implications that would require a council vote, sparking discussions about reevaluating the larger contract soon.
Various advocacy groups, including the Party for Socialism and Liberation, have raised alarms over civil liberties concerns related to the partnership with Flock. They argue for severing ties with the company, while some citizens appreciate how law enforcement has utilized the technology to address criminal activities. For instance, police in Arvada successfully used Flock’s cameras to track a stolen vehicle linked to a carjacking incident.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) acknowledges that drones can serve beneficial purposes in law enforcement but urges for the creation of comprehensive policies regarding their deployment. The ACLU recommends regulations around data retention and preventive measures against misuse, calling for accountability in the technology’s application.
Additionally, the ACLU advises against allowing police departments to equip drones with weapons—a concept that some have proposed in jurisdictions across the country.
image source from：denverite
