SJPD discuss plans for use of drone with concerned citizens
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- There are already about a million drones flying around in the United States and the San Jose Police Department now has one of them.
The department is trying to figure out how and when to use the drone in police work and explained to a group of concerned citizens why it needs one.
San Jose police say it can keep officers and others out of harms way, but people at Wednesday night's Neighborhoods Commission meeting still have a lot of questions about privacy and safety.
The department has yet to draft a policy for using the unmanned aerial system. Deputy police Chief Dave Hober says that comes next.
"I think there was a whole lot of support and I think there was some really positive things that came out," he said.
VIDEO: SJPD to lay out plans with concerned citizens for use of drone
The police department bought the $7,000 drone, primarily to assist the bomb squad, but people have serious concerns about their privacy.
Charlotte Casey of the San Jose Peace and Justice Center collected 1,600 signatures from people who don't want a drone in San Jose.
"The police department having a spy drone is going to be flying around gives people another reason not the trust the police," Casey said.
But at least one man says the pros outweigh the cons.
"We should think of our officers as human beings and if it can save some lives it's a great thing," Bob Snippel said.
The next public meeting has been scheduled for Saturday Dec. 6 at City Hall.
