3 days ago
N.H. State Police buying AI-powered drone detection system to monitor airspace over mass gatherings
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'This system will address emerging security threats, protect critical infrastructure, safeguard public events, and enhance emergency response capabilities,' he wrote.
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This technology will be new to the New Hampshire State Police, but it comes from a company that has been providing similar services to other states. Dedrone Holdings Inc. — which was
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New Hampshire's five-member Executive Council approved the $275,000 purchase on Wednesday, without discussion.
Quinn referred follow-up questions to a department spokesperson, Tyler P. Dumont, who said the money is coming from federal Homeland Security grant funds.
While the use of surveillance and emerging technologies by law enforcement always leads to questions about the protection of civil liberties, Dumont said state personnel will aim to use the Dedrone tool in a way that enhances public safety without infringing on the privacy or legal rights of individuals and drone operators.
'We will implement safeguards to ensure that any usage of AI is supplemented by human review and verification, and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations,' he said.
What's more, the drone detection system is a monitoring tool that won't be used to disable any aircraft deemed a potential threat, he added.
Steven Porter can be reached at
