Predator drone used in arrest on American soil...

[Wyvern]

The use of a Border Patrol high-flying drone in the arrest last summer of members of the Rodney Brossart family at their Nelson County farm is a first such use of a well-known military unmanned aerial vehicle to apprehend a civilian, according to a news report.

http://www.grandforksherald.com/even...roup/homepage/


I seem to recall this coming up in a thread recently, except that there was some talk about armed drones (Predators can be armed). Seems to me this is just further militarization of the police, which we definitely do not need.

[MaryJane]

Originally Posted by Wyvern

Seems to me this is just further militarization of the police, which we definitely do not need.

Sounds the same way to me.

[killshot]

What bothers me is mission creep.
Law enforcement is totally entitled to tools that can help them do their job safely and efficiently. What is bad is when they use those tools to do more than they should.

For example, Pepper spray and tazers were originally intended to be a less dangerous way to deal with potentially dangerous individuals who. A fine alternative to using a gun.
Eventually.. police started using them on little kids and damn near everyone.

Using a drone in this situation seems to be a safer and cheaper alternative than using a helicopter.. But, how long before we arm them with missiles and start shooting first and asking questions later?

[GlisteningManTool]

I've been pepper sprayed before. It's not that bad.

[MaryJane]

But, how long before we arm them with missiles and start shooting first and asking questions later?

I'm sure it won't be too long.

Pepper spray is funny and doesn't affect everyone the same way. It also depends on where you are when you're sprayed, how far away, and stuff like that.