Regulating Drone Surveillance in Michigan
Law enforcement agencies in Michigan are increasingly using drones as a common tool for purposes including surveillance, crime prevention, and search and rescue operations. Privacy concerns loom large as drones capture images and videos of individuals without their consent or knowledge, necessitating clear legislation and regulations to safeguard civil liberties.
This memo examines the background and proliferation of police use of drones, the risk of misuse, the need to protect citizens' Fourth Amendment rights, and policy recommendations for regulations and transparency. In the absence of state regulations on their use, local municipalities have increased funding for drone deployment for law enforcement purposes. Models from Alaska and other states with more extensive histories of drone law regulation offer valuable frameworks for balancing law enforcement needs with the protection of citizens’ rights. By incorporating similar regulations into its laws, Michigan can address concerns surrounding police drone surveillance while ensuring accountability, transparency, and respect for constitutional rights.
