The Baton Rouge Police Department (BRPD) has begun deploying a drone, the Stalker VXE30, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and Edge Autonomy, marking a significant escalation in the technological capabilities available to local law enforcement. This move positions Baton Rouge as one of the first cities in the United States to utilize an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a history rooted in military applications for domestic surveillance.
The acquisition, costing approximately $1 million for the drone, training, and batteries, raises concerns about the increasing militarization of police forces and the potential impact on privacy. The Stalker VXE30, now operating under the Redwire brand after Edge Autonomy’s restructuring, is designed for long-range reconnaissance and has been used in military operations globally. This differs significantly from the commercially available drone models, such as those from DJI or Skydio, typically deployed by police departments.
According to BRPD Police Chief TJ Morse, the drone’s capabilities allow officers to maintain surveillance from a considerable distance. It can be miles away, but we can still have a camera looking at your face, so we can use it for surveillance operations,
Morse told reporters. This extended range and enhanced surveillance capacity distinguish the Stalker VXE30 from standard police drones.
Expanding Surveillance Capabilities and Potential Concerns
The deployment of the Stalker VXE30 introduces a new level of surveillance capability to Baton Rouge. Standard concerns surrounding drone use – the ability to access private property, the potential for long-term data storage and sharing, and the possibility of adding further surveillance technology – are amplified by the drone’s military-grade features. The Stalker VXE30’s surveillance range extends for dozens of miles, and it boasts increased flight speed and endurance compared to typical police drones.
Beyond basic video surveillance, the drone’s platform allows for the integration of additional equipment, referred to as “payloads.” These could include technologies like automated license plate readers and even facial recognition technology, enabling retroactive analysis of captured footage. This raises the specter of expanded data collection and potential misuse of personal information.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has expressed concern about this development, highlighting the need for proactive community involvement in establishing clear guidelines for drone acquisition and usage. The organization emphasizes the importance of transparency, public feedback, and well-documented policies to prevent unchecked surveillance.
Louisiana’s New Drone Neutralization Law
The BRPD’s acquisition of the Stalker VXE30 occurs alongside a new state law in Louisiana that grants local law enforcement the authority to neutralize dangerous drones. This legislation, signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry, makes Louisiana the first state to authorize such measures, further expanding the potential for drone-related law enforcement actions.
Broader Trends in Police Surveillance Technology
The Baton Rouge deployment is part of a broader trend of law enforcement agencies adopting advanced surveillance technologies. While many departments have historically relied on commercially available drones, the move towards military-grade equipment represents a significant shift. Previously, departments often utilized drones from companies like DJI, though the FCC considered restrictions on their use. Alternatives like Skydio, often integrated with Axon and Flock Safety systems, are also becoming more common.
The EFF has filed a public records request seeking information about the conditions surrounding the Stalker VXE30 acquisition and any existing oversight policies. The organization has been tracking the expansion of police drone surveillance for years and views this acquisition as a potentially dangerous development.
For communities concerned about surveillance technologies in their area, the EFF recommends consulting the Atlas of Surveillance, a resource that maps the deployment of surveillance technologies across the United States. The situation in Baton Rouge serves as a cautionary tale, underscoring the need for ongoing vigilance and proactive community engagement to ensure responsible and transparent use of advanced surveillance technologies by law enforcement.
