A bill signed into law Friday gives police in Illinois the go-ahead to use drones, even when no illegal activity is suspected.
The measure also allows departments to put drones in the sky while searching for suspects. They might also be launched to assess an 9-1-1 emergency scene before officers arrive.
The bill's sponsor, state senator Linda Holmes, said she understands privacy concerns, but incidents like the July 4th mass shooting in Highland Park point to this being a need.
"Since that time, it has been so clear to me that we need to give the police just this one additional tool to be able to keep us safe," said Holmes, a Democrat who represents the 42nd district west of Chicago. "Perhaps a drone in the air could've prevented that horrific tragedy."
Opponents of the bill said it will increase surveillance on private, law-abiding citizens.
Police in Illinois will not be able to attach weapons to drones or use facial recognition unless they're countering a terrorist attack, preventing imminent harm to life or making sure a suspect doesn't get away.
