Drones and robots in crime fighting: Europol sees limitations
Europol has presented a report on crime fighting with robots and drones. It sees opportunities but also many limitations.
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In the report "The Unmanned Future(s): The Impact of Robotics and Unmanned Systems on Law Enforcement" authored by the Europol Innovation Lab, the European police authority Europol lamented the technical limitations, risks, and regulatory gaps in the use of robots for crime fighting but also highlighted the opportunities. As the police authority explains, more transparency must also be created for the use of such systems.
The publicly accessible report from Europol shows, among other things, how robots can be used in law enforcement. The police authority particularly emphasizes the possibility of using drones and robots for situation assessment without endangering police officers. Such systems can also be used for security surveillance purposes. Further areas of application include mapping crime scenes, supporting search and rescue operations, and eliminating explosives, for example.
"Significant technical limitations and regulatory gaps"
However, Europol emphasizes that there are currently "significant technical limitations and regulatory gaps" in the use of drones and robots. Unmanned systems therefore cannot be effectively used in law enforcement. The European police authority cites the limited autonomy of the systems, dependence on special industrial suppliers, and the lack of clear guidelines for autonomous operations as reasons for this.
In contrast, criminals and terrorist groups are increasingly using such systems to pursue their criminal, illegal activities. This includes espionage, smuggling, and attacks, especially with drones.
To better counter this, law enforcement in the air, on the ground, and underwater is necessary. However, this requires the development of special strategies, techniques, and training for law enforcement officers.
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Europol provides a series of recommendations for action for European law enforcement authorities. For example, they should develop a suitable strategic orientation, establish competence centers, and promote the integration of unmanned systems into existing information systems.
Furthermore, transparency must be created for the use of such systems to be accountable to the public. In addition, existing regulations are still inadequate when it comes to combating criminal activities.
(olb)
