NBC Chicago spoke with ACLU of Illinois Communications and Public Policy Director Ed Yohnka about the recent approval by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, by the Illinois State Police (ISP). Last year, the Illinois legislature passed a bill to regulate the use of drones by law enforcement that would limit the ability to conduct warrantless surveillance using such technology. Yohnka told NBC:
"One of the concerns was always that a drone is an incredibly powerful tool to see into areas that police couldn’t otherwise see in," Yohnka said.
"It’s used to follow to follow someone at a relatively low cost and extended period of time. And that’s exactly why the legislature passed it and the governor signed the bill. I think this [FAA authorization] shows the wisdom of that decision," he said.