by BRYAN COUNTY, Ga (WSAV) — The Bryan County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is employing drones to apprehend motorists who violate traffic laws.
A few years back, the agency allocated funds towards purchasing drones primarily to aid in search and rescue operations. However, recently, the office has decided to expand their use of these unmanned devices beyond such tasks. One new application includes employing them to identify motorists who violate traffic laws.
"The simplest approach for them would be to wait until all the vehicles gather at an intersection. Then, they can move alongside these vehicles, visually checking each one to ensure occupants have seatbelts on or are not using phones as they reach the crossing," explained Bryan County Sheriff Mark Crowe.
The drone takes a photo of an offender, after which an officer is dispatched to stop the vehicle. This situation has left some Bryan County residents, such as David Graf, wondering about the legalities involved.
I believe this represents a misuse of resources and an invasion of privacy," Graf stated. "Why not stick to traditional methods? For instance, relying on direct visibility. Whether this approach will be upheld in legal proceedings remains uncertain. There have been concerns raised about the efficacy and legality of red-light cameras and similar technologies.
Crowe addressed those worries and mentioned that they got approval from the legal department.
"It’s essentially no different from having a camera on the roadside that snaps a photo when you run a red light or another one that captures you speeding through school zones," explained Crowe.
He went on, "Those who argue against it would often be the very same individuals who take out their cellphone and begin filming you in public spaces, claiming 'It isn’t an invasion of privacy; I can film anywhere.' They carry a device with a built-in camera, whereas mine simply comes equipped with one as well."
Crowe emphasized that due to the increase in accidents both in Richmond Hill and near the Hyundai Plant, it's essential to maintain a visible presence.
We have absolutely no intention of encroaching upon individuals' private lives," he stated. "Our aim is to achieve a specific objective. Our goal is for the community to feel more secure. My hope is that they understand we're actively monitoring their surroundings.
In the rapidly expanding county, Crowe emphasized that safety measures such as this initiative are crucial now more than ever before.
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