New state law lets law enforcement use drones as a public safety tool

Posted on June 19, 2023
Under a new state law, police can dispatch drones over large crowds like parades, concerts and festivals. (WJBC file photo)

By IIS Radio

SPRINGFIELD – Law enforcement in Illinois will now be able to use drones as a public safety tool.

Under a new state law, police can dispatch drones over large crowds like parades, concerts and festivals. It was prompted by the Fourth of July shooting in Highland Park, where the shooter took aim from a rooftop.

State Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) was at the parade with her family that day.

“Since that time, it has been so clear to me that we need to give the police just this one additional tool to be able to keep us safe,” said Morrison.

The law also allows use of drones to respond to calls, so police can gather data before they arrive on scene.

WJBC News can be reached at [email protected]

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…