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IL Senate Approves Use of Security Drones at Public Events

The Illinois Senate approved a measure intended to upgrade security at public, large-scale events. Under the plan, law enforcement could use drones as monitors.

But Democratic state Senator Kwame Raoul of Chicago says this could also be a pathway for invading people’s privacy – and wants officers to obtain a warrant first.

“I want to trust to utilize the drones to protect against a tragic incident at Lollapalooza or some other mass gathering at a park. I’m not left with the feeling of comfort by a reference to no legitimate law enforcement purpose.”

Advocates say Boston and other cities now use drones for security purposes. Lawmakers hope to use drones at the Illinois State Fair and other music festivals as early as this summer.

Daisy reports on various assignments for NPR Illinois. She graduated from the Public Affairs Reporting master’s degree program at the University of Illinois Springfield, where she spent time covering the legislative session for NPR Illinois' Illinois Issues. Daisy interned then researched for the Chicago Reporter. She obtained an associate degree in French language from Harry S Truman College and a bachelor's degree in communications from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Before coming to Springfield, Daisy worked in communication roles for several Chicago non-profits. Daisy is from Chicago where she attended Lane Tech High School.