Bill Would Help Fla. Police with Ban on Chinese-Made Drones
Source Officer.com News
Florida law enforcement officials upset over a state ban on Chinese-made drones are receiving support from some bipartisan lawmakers.
Last week, a new rule went into effect forbidding government agencies—including police departments—from buying drones manufactured by a company in a "foreign country of concern." That includes popular law enforcement drones made by China-based Da Jiang innovations (DJI).
Police and law enforcement officials expressed their concern with the new rule at a March hearing. At that time, chiefs and sheriffs from around the state detailed mechanical issues their agencies had faced with state-approved drones.
And those pleas weren't completely lost on deaf ears. A current bill in committee would allow law enforcement agencies to use DJI drones until they could replace them, WPLG-TV reports. Because of the rule, the Broward County Sheriff's Office grounded 63 drones, and the Collier County Sheriff's Office has shelved its entire 31-drone fleet, according to the Miami Herald.
Sen. Tom Wright, the sponsor of the proposed legislation, has that at least one company on the state's approved list had increased drone prices after Florida's ban began.
"Would you be surprised to know there are people in this audience that have seen a $7,000-per-drone price increase on that particular brand since January 1? I have the quotes," Wright said at the March hearing.
"I hope to hell that we don't have anybody lose a life over this silly rule," he added.
