NYPD Drones Are Being Tested to Broadcast Public Safety Warnings From Overhead

YS Gold 

The New York Police Department is testing a new system for broadcasting emergency messages—through drones that would fly overhead and broadcast warnings for public safety. 

The program has already begun to be tested, as the NYPD tweeted on Sunday. “@NYPDnews will be conducting a test of remote-piloted public messaging capabilities today, 7/16. The test will be conducted on Brookville Boulevard between 149th Avenue and Rockaway Turnpike in Queens.” 

The message came after heavy rains and flooding affected the area. 

Some have noted that this may be in violation of public surveillance laws, which would require the NYPD to seek public comment before deploying them, and it is speculated that they are using a loophole in existing laws in order to fly the drones. 

The NYPD also clarified that the drones would be primarily used in cases of telecommunications failures where push notifications would not work. 

In the event of a power or telecom failure, the NYPD & the @nycemergencymgt will deploy drones to convey critical information & keep you connected with up-to-date info.