4 ms·

Ask HN: Police use of drones and the 4th Amendment?

3 points by samstave 3y ago

I saw a post where police used a drone catching some kids up to some mischief, which sent them running... It got me thinking about local PDs using drones for whatever, and the 4th amendement: - >Fourth Amendment The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. - >>and particularly describing the place to be searched Seems like a drone use is a warrantless search? I am just curious on the interpretation here - as I am sure we will see police drone use en-mass in the next few years... And then there will be prosecutions against others who use drones to take out police drones, or anyone destroying a police drone - regardless of if the drone's by the PD is legal. Anigbrawl thoughts?

orbz 3y ago
There’s already some level of precedent around police usage of helicopters that will likely stand with usage of drones: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_v._Riley https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_v._Riley
AnimalMuppet 3y ago
A "search" is looking at what is private, not normally visible. The inside of your house is a place where "search" is the correct term. But if you're outside, you're visible, both to the police and to regular people. Your home may be your castle; the parking lot at the mall (for example) is not. You have no expectation of what you do there not being seen.
solardev 3y ago
In general you don't have a right to expect privacy in a public place.
- samstave 3y ago
  [flagged]
  - solardev 3y ago
    ...? Are you ok...?
    - samstave 3y ago
      [flagged]
      - orbz 3y ago
        I’m sure you know what you’re talking about, and know/have experienced much. I also know I know nothing about you or your lived experiences. Please take this as it is intended, from a place of concern for your well being: You are coming across as erratic and disjoint. Your tone is overly aggressive and you will not get the dialogue and respect you want with it. If you’re not under the care of a licensed mental health professional, there is no shame or harm in seeking out that help, more people could benefit from it.
        samstave 3y ago
        [flagged]
      - dang 3y ago
        Sam - I don't want to ban you, as you know, but you really can't do this here.
        samstave 3y ago
        I'm sorry dang, but nobody is tacking accountability for what is going on and it's frustrating