North Dakota has officially become the first state in the U.S. to legalize drones for police work.

According to the legislation, drones can now be flown by police to execute "less than lethal" force, i.e., drones can wield weaponry such as tasers, tear gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets. The initial HB 1328 bill had a bit of a different idea – originally drafted by Republican Rep. Rick Becker, R-Bismarck, it would have prohibited the use of armed drones entirely and would have required police to obtain a search warrant to use a drone to look for evidence. However, Bruce Burkett, a lobbyist who represented the interests of the North Dakota Peace Officer's Association, put forward an amendment that limited restrictions to the use of lethal weapons.

Becker, understandably, was displeased with the outcome. "This is one I'm not in full agreement with. I wish it was any weapon," Burkett said in March at a hearing. "In my opinion there should be a nice, red line: Drones should not be weaponized. Period." 

As The Daily Beast reported, "less than lethal" is not synonymous with "nonlethal." Reporter Justin Glawe noted "[at] least 39 people have been killed by police Tasers in 2015 so far, according to The Guardian. Bean bags, rubber bullets, and flying tear gas canisters have also maimed, if not killed, in the U.S. and abroad."

But what about surveillance? According to HB 1328, which was passed as amended and signed by the governor on April 15, all unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAVs) can surveil for investigation of a felony – if they have a warrant, that is.

Via: The Daily Beast

Photo: Thierry Ehrmann | Flickr