There will be a new way for Illinois State Police to gather information. The Illinois State Police say they've received approval to use drones to photograph crash and crime scenes. But you won't hear the Police using the term "drones." Here's why.

According to WREX-TV on Friday, May 8, The Illinois State Police announced that the Federal Aviation Administration has authorized them to use unmanned aircraft systems.

The program and the announcement by the Illinois State Police has caused some concerns.

The Illinois Police state the program "is not being implemented for surveillance purposes."

Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
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The use of aerial photographs taken from drones will cut down on the time highways are closed during investigations of major traffic crashes according to Illinois State Police.

They also say the ISP worked with lawmakers and civil rights groups to ensure privacy for residence who were concerned about privacy.

The agency is avoiding the word "drone" because it carries the perception of pre-programmed or automatic flight patterns, and random, indiscriminate collection of images and information.

The units will be used simply as another tool in helping to speed up recovery and to aid in investigations.

 

 

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