'A great way to creep us out': New York police to get drones

After police in China and Hawaii began using drones to patrol for people breaking COVID lockdowns, New York cops are now set to get their own drone force. The NYPD says this will help alert the public in emergencies. Critics say it's an "absurd" use of drones. — Photo: Joel Marklund/Bildbyran via ZUMA Press/dpa

NEW YORK: Drones may take the place of loudspeakers atop roving New York City police vehicles as a way of getting out the word in natural disasters, weather events and other calamities – but critics fear the plan will cause more panic than any real emergency ever could.

The drones “would convey critical information and keep you connected with up-to-date info,” according to an New York Police Department tweet.