NJ city using drones to enforce social distancing during COVID-19
Elizabeth, N.J. is deploying drones with prerecorded warnings from the mayor on social distancing during COVID-19; drone expert Brett Velicovich reacts.
As authorities enforce social distancing in the battle against coronavirus, don't be surprised if you hear reminders coming from the sky.
Police departments in Florida and New Jersey have drones with pre-recorded warnings that will be deployed if crowds are not following COVID-19 guidelines.
"There's never been a more important time in history for drone technology to play a more important role and this crisis is a prime example of where the technology can benefit," drone expert and White Fox Defense Strategic Advisor Brett Velicovich said Thursday on "Fox & Friends."
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In New Jersey, the Elizabeth Police Department said Tuesday on Facebook that new models are enforcing social distancing.
Authorities in New Jersey have deployed drones with automated messages urging people to stop gathering if they are breaking social distancing guidelines. (Elizabeth Police Department)
"These drones will be around the city with an automated message from the mayor telling you to STOP gathering, disperse and go home," police said.
According to police, summonses have and will continue to be issued to those in violation. Fines range up to $1,000.
Those who are caught violating social distancing rules in Elizabeth, N.J., face fines up to $1,000. (Elizabeth Police Department)
"You have been advised," police said.
The initial post drew hundreds of comments, with many raising privacy concerns. Police clarified on Wednesday that the use of drones is just because "we are just trying to save lines, not trying to be big brother."
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"If this plan saves one life, then it is worth it," the department said.
"There is no recording and no pictures being taken, it is a tool of encouragement to follow the rules," according to the department.
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In Florida, the Daytona Beach Police Department recently started using drones with public address systems to announce closures at city-owned parks.
The Daytona Beach Police Department is using drones with public address systems, are currently being used to announce closures at city-owned parks. (FOX35)
"They look up at the drone startled for a second that they're hearing someone from the air talking to them. They then wave to it, leave the property," Sgt. Tim Ehrenkaufer, who runs the drone unit, told FOX35.
Ehrenkaufer said using drones is helping to limit officers' possible exposure to the virus in the field.
"We need something where we can start bridging that gap a little bit... coming face-to-face with you, to me getting the message to you remotely," he said.
Police using drones to keep watch while social distancing
White Fox Defense strategic adviser Brett Velicovich weighs in.
The two drones the department is using also are equipped with a digital camera and a heat-detecting device, what's known as a FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared). The system can detect body temperatures ranging from 99-105 degrees.
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Velicovich told "Fox & Friends" that since the pandemic has forced Americans in a short time to use more social distance, the technology may have longer-term use.
"It's technology like this that we rely on to be a force multiplier for our first responders and to help avoid human contact," he said.
As of Thursday, there are 432,438 cases of COVID-19 in the U.S., with at least 14,808 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.
