Serpas Signal

First off, Rand Paul's faux filibuster shit fit last night appears to have done absolutely no good whatsoever.

PHOENIX - A bill that would have required law enforcement agencies in Arizona to get search warrants before using unmanned aircraft to gather evidence will be amended to instead create a study committee on drone use, the sponsor said Thursday.

The decision by Republican Rep. Tom Forese of Chandler comes after law enforcement voiced opposition to the bill at a committee hearing last month.

Forese said he's also heard from economic development interests who told him they were worried about the bill's impact to the growth of the technology in Arizona.

Arizona officials are hoping the state will be chosen for one of six drone test sites around the country that the Federal Aviation Administration sought proposals for last month. The agency is required by a law enacted a year ago to develop sites where military and civilian drones can be tested in preparation for integration into U.S. airspace.

Privacy advocates are worried that widespread drone use will infringe on civil liberties and lead to constant surveillance of the public.

Like it or not, the drones is coming.  And, probably sooner than we think, they will carry weapons. 

American police officers may soon be able to use unmanned aircraft not only for surveillance, but also for offensive action. The drones may be equipped to fire rubber rounds and tear gas.

“Those are things that law enforcement utilizes day in and day out, and in certain situations it might be advantageous to have this type of system on the UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle),” Chief Deputy Randy McDaniel of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office in Texas told The Daily news app as he outlined the possible development.

Today's police drones may be able to carry tear gas and detect weapons but if Ronal Serpas ever decides to buy one (he reportedly turned one down last year) it will have to be armed with breathalyzers and be able to detect drunk drivers.. or possibly donuts.  But until then we're pretty much stuck putting up with checkpoints.

The New Orleans Police Department’s Traffic Division will conduct a sobriety checkpoint, in Orleans Parish, on Friday March 8, 2013, beginning at approximately 9:00 P.M. and will conclude at approximately 5:00 A.M.  Motorists will experience minimal delays and should have the proper documentation available if requested, i.e., proof of insurance, driver’s license, etc. 

Drive safely. Or, if that fails, Senator Paul recommends keeping a pocket constitution on your person. It's not only a handy reference tool, but it's also much more fashionable than the customary head gear.