Programmed to Protect and Serve: The Dawn of Drones and Robots in Law Enforcement

Abstract

No longer does the field of law enforcement rely solely on human cognition and capability as drones have become first responders, responding to emergency calls with a drone rather than a human officer. Drone technology can transform police work, just as it has package delivery and military strategy. These drone officers allow for higher law enforcement efficiency, safer communities, and even saved lives. However, they also raise civil liberty concerns given that the drones have the power to track vehicles and people without consent, and they can collect and store video records of everyday life, reducing expectations of privacy. This article will discuss the use of autonomous drones and robotic law enforcement officers in the United States and the safety, liability, and constitutional implications thereof.