zlacker

>>pera+(OP)
This was very predictable. Tools invented for military operations abroad eventually, predictably find their way back domestically.

Despite that, its a dangerous thing to happen. I am aware of how unlikely it is for the current US Government to use the drone offensively, but once you have a massive fleet of drones flying over the US, patrolling "troubling" neighborhoods constantly, the temptation to use those abilities rises significantly.

I hope that Congress takes action to outlaw this practice, but I have little faith it will happen. It seems like everyday the country is falling further into the pit of becoming an authoritarian police state.

>>pm90+Qf
Where do you draw the distinction between a drone (presumably unarmed) vs a police helicopter?

>>beambo+Mg
Police helicopters don't have hellfire missiles as standard optional armament.

Also police helicopters are operated by local/state forces. This is a federal agency which is way out of its jurisdiction.

>>r00fus+ai
Are you sure? Police use military surplus helicopters, such as the Cobra and Black Hawk, both of which can be armed with hellfires.