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Despite police outcry, DeSantis administration bans Chinese drones
Despite police outcry, DeSantis administration bans Chinese dronesHe wants police to end the use of DJI drones. Police say banning them risks officer safety.
Tampa Bay Times, 3/4/2023
Police departments across Florida are shelving millions of dollars in aerial drones because of a Gov. Ron DeSantis administration rule that takes effect Wednesday.
In its latest attempt to stamp out foreign influence in Florida, the DeSantis administration is forbidding government agencies — including police, firefighters and mosquito control districts — from using drones manufactured by China-based Da Jiang Innovations, or DJI, by far the most popular drones in the world.
Police, including in Tampa, and other agencies have purchased an estimated $200 million in DJI drones over the years, according to one lawmaker, but under the rule, they can only use drones made by a handful of “approved manufacturers,” most of which are based in the U.S. The rule prohibits buying drones from a company in a “foreign country of concern.”
Many departments have already grounded their fleets, but they told lawmakers they’ve found the Florida-approved replacements far more expensive, much less capable, and in some cases dangerous. One approved drone lit on fire in a deputy’s patrol vehicle, one law enforcement official testified.
In its latest attempt to stamp out foreign influence in Florida, the DeSantis administration is forbidding government agencies — including police, firefighters and mosquito control districts — from using drones manufactured by China-based Da Jiang Innovations, or DJI, by far the most popular drones in the world.
Police, including in Tampa, and other agencies have purchased an estimated $200 million in DJI drones over the years, according to one lawmaker, but under the rule, they can only use drones made by a handful of “approved manufacturers,” most of which are based in the U.S. The rule prohibits buying drones from a company in a “foreign country of concern.”
Many departments have already grounded their fleets, but they told lawmakers they’ve found the Florida-approved replacements far more expensive, much less capable, and in some cases dangerous. One approved drone lit on fire in a deputy’s patrol vehicle, one law enforcement official testified.
https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2023/04/04/police-drones-desantis-administration-china-dji-ban/
No paywall: https://archive.ph/MXATB