State Lawmakers Propose Bill Prohibiting the Use of DJI Drones

Friday, February 4th, 2022 -- 8:07 AM

(WBAY) Local legislators have proposed a bill that would ban local and state government agencies from buying or using DJI drones out of concern foreign governments may be watching what we’re doing.

DJI, a Chinese manufacturer, makes among the most-used brands of drones among local safety agencies. Bill Bongle, a former police officer, owns Titletown Drone, which helps supply and train agencies with drones.

He says if this bill passes, more than half of our local agencies would be without the proven, life-saving equipment. Today drones are used frequently in the field by police and fire departments, using their thermal cameras to locate suspects or missing people or recognize hot spots in the attics and upper sections of buildings during fires. The drones can also help keep officers out of dangerous situations.

This past December, a drone is credited with playing a major role in a police standoff when the suspect fled a Hobart apartment complex. While there are other drone manufacturers besides DJI, Bongle says those can be expensive.

For that reason, he feels if this bill passes most agencies wouldn’t be able to make the switch and would have to go without the technology. If passed, agencies would have one year to get rid of their DJI drones. They would also have to share with the DOJ how they plan to dispose of the drones.

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