NOLA Coalition Supports Use of Drone Technology, with Appropriate Policy Technology is proven in other jurisdictions to save time and money, and protect lives
NEW ORLEANS – The NOLA Coalition, a collection of nearly 570 local nonprofits, civic organizations, and businesses – and their thousands of employees – has a mission to create a safer New Orleans, for all residents. With this mission in mind, and the fact that we are all still too frequently impacted by violence, the NOLA Coalition supports of use of sUAS, or drones, guided by appropriate policies.
As shown in the 2023 New Orleans Crime Coalition survey, New Orleans citizens overwhelmingly support technologies such as drones to fight crime:
- 79% of all citizens support “the police department’s use of computer analytics and other technologies to solve crimes” (Black 81% / White 77%)
- 78% of all citizens support “the police department’s legal use of camera technology to solve crimes” (Black 83% / White 70%)
Key reasons for the appropriately guided use of drones include:
- Compensation for low officer numbers / better response times
- Increased situational awareness
- Improved operating cost efficiency
- Enhanced officer safety
- Enhanced public safety
Per the proposed NOPD guidelines, deployments of this technology will be in direct support of emergencies, events, crime scenes and vehicular accident forensics collection, tactical operations, officer training classes, event response and other missions requiring aerial surveillance within a Defined Incident Perimeter (DIP).
It is important to note that drones are already widely, safely, and effectively used in other jurisdictions, including Jefferson Parish.
About The NOLA Coalition
The NOLA Coalition is a collection of local nonprofits, civic organizations and businesses with an acute interest in helping to address crime and quality of life, for reasons of both life and livelihood. The organizations in The NOLA Coalition are small and large, with diverse membership, from across the city and region. An updated list of recommendations and coalition members can be found at nolacoalition.info.
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