""We have used drones as a tactical resource for upwards of 10 years for things like tactical operations, standoffs, field searches for missing persons, scene mapping and reconstruction, parade overwatch and security, to name a few," said Capt. Jacob Becchina, a Police Department spokesperson. "That won't change for FIFA.""
""The purpose of the program is not surveillance of the public, but rather to enhance officer and the community's safety," said Maj. Greg Williams, who oversees the program. "In many cases, the drone allows officers to quickly assess a situation before arriving on scene, which can reduce risk.""
""It really sets a dangerous tone, I think, for our community, when the police have use of this technology where they have access to people's backyards," said Amaia Cook, an organizer with DecarcerateKC, a Kansas City activist group that monitors law enforcement activities."
Kansas City is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with police planning to use drones for security and monitoring. The Police Department has utilized drones for tactical operations for over a decade. Federal grants totaling approximately $25.8 million have been awarded for drone security and counter-drone systems. However, the use of drones has sparked privacy concerns among community activists regarding surveillance capabilities. The Drone as First Responder program aims to improve safety by providing real-time video and situational assessments before officers arrive on scene.
Read at Kansas City Star
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