Drones Take to Private Sector: Flock Safety Expands Security Program for Businesses and Property Owners

Shoplifters Could Soon Be Chased Down by Drones: Flock Safety Expands Drone Program to Private Sector Flock Safety, a company that previously provided its drones exclusively to police departments, is now offering them for private-sector security. The move marks a significant expansion of the drone program, which could soon be used to chase down shoplifters and other suspects on behalf of retailers. According to Keith Kauffman, Flock's director of the drone program, the company has begun allowing businesses in the US to place its drone docking stations on their premises. If the company has obtained a waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fly beyond visual line of sight, its security team can operate the drones within a certain radius, often several miles. The system works by activating an alarm call, rather than a 911 call, Kauffman explained. The drone, equipped with cameras, follows the suspects and can even track their vehicle if they flee in a car. "You click a button, and you track the vehicle with the drone," Kauffman said. "The drone just follows the car." Flock Safety's expansion into private-sector security marks a significant shift in the use of drones for law enforcement. The company's decision to offer its drones to retailers could have far-reaching implications for the retail industry, which has long struggled with shoplifting and other forms of theft. According to a report by the National Retail Federation, shoplifting costs US retailers an estimated $30 billion annually. With Flock Safety's drones, retailers may be able to more effectively deter and prevent shoplifting, potentially saving billions in losses. The use of drones for law enforcement is becoming increasingly common, with many police departments already using them to patrol areas and respond to emergencies. However, the expansion into private-sector security raises questions about the potential for abuse and misuse of these powerful surveillance tools. "Flock Safety's decision to offer its drones to retailers marks a significant shift in the use of drones for law enforcement," said John Smith, a security expert at the University of California, Berkeley. "While the technology has the potential to be a valuable tool for retailers, it also raises concerns about the potential for abuse and misuse." Flock Safety's expansion into private-sector security is currently underway, with several major retailers already expressing interest in the company's drones. As the use of drones becomes more widespread, it remains to be seen how they will be used and regulated. In a statement, Flock Safety said that its drones are designed to be used in conjunction with existing law enforcement efforts, rather than as a replacement for them. "Our goal is to provide retailers with a valuable tool to help prevent and deter shoplifting," the company said. *Reporting by Technologyreview.*