NYPD invests in new tech to combat drones used for 'nefarious' purposes, documents show

The NYPD’s Counterterrorism Division is investing in new technology to combat what it said is a growing threat to New Yorkers: drones that could be used for “nefarious” purposes, documents reviewed by Gothamist show.

Last year, months before the public’s attention was captivated by reports of mysterious drones circling New Jersey's skies, the NYPD signed a $383,744 contract to buy a drone-tracking system from a private company, according to the contract, which was reviewed by Gothamist. The system is designed to be placed at a single location, where it can use radio frequencies, cameras and radar to identify and track drones in city airspace, the contract shows.

“Given the rise in popularity in [drone] usage amongst the populace, it is believed that [drone] detection will continue to be a topic of emphasis going forward especially to prevent the usage of [drones] for nefarious purposes,” the contract said.

The NYPD views the technology as a critical tool for officers who work to combat terrorism threats in the city, according to the contract. The NYPD’s Counterterrorism Division is responsible for detecting unauthorized drones at major events and at areas of “critical infrastructure” in the city, according to the contract.

“The NYPD views drones as a possible public safety threat and, therefore, the department needs to track their flights across the city,” an NYPD spokesperson said in response to questions about the contract. “Our specialized counter unmanned aerial system trained officers have recently invested in more robust drone detection capabilities to better protect the public.”

The NYPD did not immediately provide information about how many drone-related incidents they responded to in the city this year. They also didn’t say where the drone-tracking technology is placed in the city.

Experts who spoke to Gothamist were divided on the importance of drone surveillance.

Dr. William Austin, a drone expert from New Jersey who serves as president and chief drone pilot of Warren Community College, said he was encouraged that the NYPD is investing in drone-tracking technology.

“It’s probably very wise,” Austin said.

“This is something that I think all law enforcement in the nation will do, so it doesn’t surprise me. It gives me some confidence to know that New York is ahead of the curve and they have been ahead of the curve on drones for some years,” he added.

In December, when the apparent drone sightings in New Jersey caused public hysteria, Austin and his students monitored the skies and concluded residents were being whipped into a frenzy by people misidentifying common airplanes. During the time, he made numerous media appearances in an effort to stop the panic.

Austin said drone-tracking technology could help prevent another episode like the one in New Jersey because officials will be able to correctly discern drones from other types of aircraft.

“This is going to be a critical help to law enforcement as well in not misidentifying aircraft,” Austin said.

But not everyone is sold on the technology.

Albert Fox Cahn, a civil liberties advocate and founder of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, said the NYPD's purchase shows a double standard in public finances.

“At a time when so many agencies are seeing so many pressures to cut staffing, to cut spending, the NYPD continues to have seemingly a blank check when it comes to new technology,” he said.

“The justification for using a system like this is that the tools the NYPD already used aren't up to the job,” he added. “So the question I have for them is how much money have they spent on this drone tech already? How often is it getting it wrong?”

The NYPD bought the new tracking system from the company Sentinel Consulting LLC to supplement technology the department already had in its toolkit. Prior to buying the new technology, the department used “mobile detection” systems to track unmanned aircraft – but those had a limited range, according to the contract.

Notice of the contract was publicly posted on Jan. 29. Sentinel Consulting referred a request for comment to the NYPD.