Retail Stores May Deploy Drones to Pursue Thieves in Real-Time

Retail Stores May Soon Deploy Drones to Chase Thieves In a move that has raised concerns about the increasing surveillance state, Flock Safety, a company that supplies drones and other invasive technology to police departments, announced on Thursday that it is now offering its drones to private security firms. The development comes as drone use in policing continues to rise, with the likelihood of private companies adopting similar tech. According to Rahul Sidhu, Vice President of Aviation at Flock Safety, "Security leaders are being asked to protect more with less across bigger footprints, tighter budgets, and real staffing constraints." The company claims that its drones can cover a 3.5-mile radius with flight times up to 45 minutes, providing rapid response for various locations such as warehouses, rail yards, hospitals, ports, malls, and business centers. Flock Safety specifically pitched its drones to retail stores, citing an industry report showing a 93% increase in organized retail crime. The company argues that the use of drones can help deter shoplifting and other crimes by providing real-time surveillance and rapid response capabilities. The deployment of drones for security purposes has sparked concerns among privacy advocates, who warn that it could push the U.S. closer to a surveillance state. "As we become more dependent on technology to monitor our daily lives, we risk losing our fundamental right to privacy," said Jennifer Granick, a civil liberties expert at the American Civil Liberties Union. The use of drones for security purposes is not new, but its increasing adoption by private companies has raised questions about accountability and oversight. "While drones can be an effective tool in certain situations, their use must be carefully considered and regulated to prevent abuse," said Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), a long-time advocate for civil liberties. Flock Safety's move is part of a larger trend of companies offering surveillance technology to private security firms. The company claims that its drones are equipped with advanced AI-powered software that can detect and track individuals, as well as provide real-time analytics on crime patterns. The deployment of drones in retail stores has sparked debate among industry experts, with some arguing that it is a necessary measure to combat organized retail crime. "As retailers face increasing pressure to protect their assets and employees, the use of drones can be an effective deterrent against shoplifting and other crimes," said Mark Cohen, a professor at Columbia Business School. However, others have raised concerns about the potential for abuse and over-surveillance. "The use of drones in retail stores raises questions about the balance between security and individual rights," said Deborah Popowski, a lawyer specializing in surveillance law. As the use of drones for security purposes continues to grow, experts warn that it is essential to establish clear guidelines and regulations to prevent abuse and protect individual rights. The debate surrounding the deployment of drones in retail stores highlights the need for ongoing discussions about the implications of emerging technologies on society. In related news, Flock Safety has announced plans to expand its drone technology to other industries, including healthcare and transportation. The company's move is part of a larger trend of companies offering surveillance technology to private security firms, raising concerns about accountability and oversight. Sources: Flock Safety press release Industry report on organized retail crime American Civil Liberties Union statement Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) statement Mark Cohen, professor at Columbia Business School Deborah Popowski, lawyer specializing in surveillance law *Reporting by Gizmodo.*