Could GRPD Lose Its Costly Drones? A Federal Ban May Decide

The Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) could soon have to say goodbye to their fleet of expensive drones.

Just last year, the city approved a $100,000 program to bring drones into law enforcement operations, despite initial pushback from some community members and privacy advocates. GRPD ultimately purchased 15 drones, choosing DJI Technology, a Chinese manufacturer that is well known for making high quality, and very cost-effective drones. But now, a potential federal ban on Chinese-made drones is raising questions about the future of the program.

Speaking of Drones, See drone views of iconic Michigan locations below ⬇️

The ban is being proposed at a federal level due to national security concerns. Some fear that because they are Chinese manufactured they could be compromised and used against us, although there is no current proof anyone has done so previously.

The federal ban proposal is still pretty new, so it's unclear if it would apply to drones that are already in use across the US or if would just ban future purchases. But, if the department is forced to replace its existing drones, it would probably mean a significant financial burden on them not just for new equipment, but for software, training, and more just to get the new fleet up and running. And after just spending so much money recently doing the same thing, that’s a frustrating setback for the program.

Across Michigan, it's not just GRPD that uses these drones. Most Michigan police and fire departments that use drones rely on foreign-made models since there aren't a lot of high end American brands that are affordable or available. In fact- earlier in Feburary the Kentwood police department proudly showed off drones made by DJI that they just purchased, that could be banned soon. If the ban does through without exemptions for existing drones, departments statewide could be scrambling for funding at a time when

As of right now, GRPD’s drones are still in the air working to help officers. But if federal lawmakers move forward with these proposed restrictions, local taxpayers could be footing the bill for a costly replacement plan when we could be using that money for better things.