Police should use drones to fight crime

I WAS watching an international news channel on riots and I saw what I thought was seagulls swooping above the crowds – but on closer inspection I realised it was drones flying and hovering over the rioting crowds.

While still watching, my memory went back to a wedding celebration my wife and I attended in Table View a few months ago, when the official wedding photographer was taking the most clear pictures of the event by using a drone with a camera attached.

Now, being a retired police officer, and with violent protests taking place, gunfights in our suburbs and farm attacks, illegal poaching in and around our coastline, road users terrorising other road users, attacks on local and foreign tourists on hiking trails, local security companies protecting property and reacting to alarms, etc, I am wondering.

I am wondering why our police, law enforcement, rangers, traffic officials and neighbourhood watches are not being issued with these drones with cameras or video cameras attached in policing the issues I have mentioned above.

The National Prosecuting Authority and other legal experts must be approached on the legality of using drones in crime prevention and crime fighting – with trained drone users testifying in our courts in regard to their footage.

I got so excited when compiling this letter, as I could see massive benefits and more lengthening of the long arm of the law.

There are also financial benefits to making less use of our fuel-hungry helicopters. I believe a loudspeaker system can even be attached to these drones in crime prevention or crowd control.

I’m directing this open letter of proposal to our national minister of police, national minister of justice and correctional services, and all who are in the security business.

A personal quote: An eye in the sky sees all. KEITH ALFRED ADOLPH BLAKE | Ottery