Photo Courtesy: Robotics Tomorrow
Connecticut could become the first state in the country to allow police to use drones outfitted with deadly weapons.
The bill, being considered by Connecticut lawmakers, would ban the use of weaponized drones, but exempt police. Details on how law enforcement could use drones with weapons would be spelled out in new rules to be developed by the state Police Officer Standards and Training Council.
Officers also would have to receive training before being allowed to use drones with weapons.
North Dakota is the only state that allows police to use weaponized drones, but limits the use to “less lethal” weapons, including stun guns, rubber bullets and tear gas.
Five states – Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont and Wisconsin – prohibit anyone from using a weaponized drone, while Maine and Virginia ban police from using armed drones, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Several other states have restricted drone use in general.
