Shoplifters Could Soon Be Chased Down by Drones in the US
Flock Safety, a company that previously provided drones to police departments, is now offering them for private-sector security, with potential customers including businesses intent on curbing shoplifting. According to MIT Technology Review, companies in the US can now place Flock's drone docking stations on their premises.
The program allows security teams to fly drones within a certain radius, often a few miles, as long as they have a waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fly beyond visual line of sight. These waivers are becoming increasingly easier to obtain, according to sources. Instead of a 911 call that triggers the drone, it's an alarm call, says Keith Kauffman, a former police chief who now directs Flock's drone program.
The use of drones for shoplifting prevention is not new, but this development marks a significant shift in the industry. According to Slashdot, Flock Safety has announced its plans to offer drones for private-sector security, with potential customers including retailers and other businesses looking to combat theft. Companies can now place Flock's drone docking stations on their premises, allowing them to deploy drones quickly in response to shoplifting incidents.
The program is designed to be a proactive measure against shoplifting, rather than a reactive one. "It's still the same type of response," Kauffman explains, "but instead of waiting for a 911 call, we can respond immediately when an alarm is triggered." This approach aims to prevent shoplifters from escaping with stolen goods.
The use of drones in this context raises questions about privacy and surveillance. However, Flock Safety maintains that its drones are equipped with cameras and sensors that only capture footage of the area where the theft occurred, rather than monitoring entire areas or individuals. The company also emphasizes that its drones are not used for law enforcement purposes but rather as a tool to support private security efforts.
While the program is still in its early stages, Flock Safety expects to see significant adoption in the coming months and years. As more companies place drone docking stations on their premises, it's likely that we'll see a shift towards more proactive measures against shoplifting. With the increasing ease of obtaining FAA waivers for flying beyond visual line of sight, it's clear that this technology is becoming increasingly viable for private security efforts.
In conclusion, Flock Safety's announcement marks a significant development in the use of drones for shoplifting prevention. As companies continue to adopt this technology, we can expect to see a shift towards more proactive measures against theft. With its potential to prevent shoplifters from escaping with stolen goods, this program is likely to have a major impact on retail security efforts across the US.
Attribution:
MIT Technology Review: "Shoplifters could soon be chased down by drones"
Slashdot: "Shoplifters Could Soon Be Chased Down By Drones - Slashdot"
This story was compiled from reports by MIT Technology Review and Slashdot.
