How times have changed. It wasn't that long ago--just 10 years--when North Little Rock's police department tried using one of those mini-helicopters to keep a bird's-eye view on things in town. The blasted thing took four people to operate, used gasoline, and weighed too much, but at least it was expensive.
Like everything else, from iPhones to new televisions, after a few years the technology improves and costs come down. These days North Little Rock is in the drone business. For a fraction of what that mini-helicopter cost back in the day, the department has put up five drones. From West Memphis to Benton County, from Polk County to Union County, police and sheriff deputies are putting drones to use.
They can do recon during weather emergencies. They can search large areas during rescue missions. They can do a number of things that cops couldn't do in the past. And this is good. Every bit helps.
Some of our friends at the ACLU, and other folks as well, have raised concerns about the use of these drones. They're worried about the use of the new technology outpacing oversight. And there are privacy concerns.
We'll get to that. Soon, too. As sure as we have lawyers and courts.
But right now, if you're trapped in rising waters, or if you're lost in the Ozarks, or if you're stranded during some sort of disaster, the sound of buzzing overhead might be a comfort indeed. Let's use 'em now. And work out the privacy details in short order.
Editorial on 10/05/2017