from Crime File News
There is a bit of a debate going on involving one of technology’s newer gifts. The somewhat inexpensive, Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) drones are here. Are they really a threat to your privacy? I have the answer for you.
As most of my readers know, I’m a licensed private investigator. I now have my own Air Force consisting of two consumer type camera-armed drones! Can these gee wiz gizmos help me learn more about the people I’m investigating? The answer is, not really.
First of all the devices are limited significantly by their power sources. They are battery operated. The longest they can stay in the air currently is under 25 minutes.
They may be quiet but are visible especially at night because of their running lights. The lights must stay on or the pilot can’t see or control it.
For surveillance they are worthless because of the short flight time. Traditional means of watching people are still more effective.
If a person I’m investigating enters a vehicle I can only follow the vehicle for less than a mile under the best of conditions. Tall buildings, power lines, lamp posts and trees all threaten my drones.
Rain and wind are not friendly to my drones and I have no desire to risk seeing them destroyed.
I’ve stayed awake nights trying to figure out ways of using the UAS to further my investigations. I’ve found a couple that really don’t threaten privacy.
Frequently I need high-resolution aerial images of accident or crime scenes to use during interviews and for court exhibits. The drones are absolutely excellent for this purpose.
Locating stolen property or livestock has suddenly become easier. Before I’d have to hire aircraft and pilots to look at property from the air to avoid allegations of trespass. Now I can do the same thing but without spending a fortune with my drones.
Some could argue drones can be used to look through windows but so can any helicopter. That is really not practical because of limitations on cameras in difficult lighting conditions. My little drones are incapable of gathering audio because of issues like wind and the sound of the rotors.
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Alan is serial entrepreneur, active angel investor, and a drone enthusiast. He co-founded DRONELIFE.com to address the emerging commercial market for drones and drone technology. Prior to DRONELIFE.com, Alan co-founded Where.com, ThinkingScreen Media, and Nurse.com. Recently, Alan has co-founded Crowditz.com, a leader in Equity Crowdfunding Data, Analytics, and Insights. Alan can be reached at alan(at)dronelife.com