Drones In Camden: CCPD Accepts Large Donation From NJ Powerbroker

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After receiving a donation of $430,000 from power broker George Norcross and NFI CEO Sidney Brown, The Camden County Police Department purchased two new drones to add to an already existing group of seven.

Julien Moral, a Rutgers Camden student says, “I think police departments should be funded by the government. I don’t think that there should be private entities donating to the police department. I think it’s a federal issue.”

Also, on the idea that these types of donations could be better used elsewhere in the community, Moral says, “I would definitely say that, especially here in Camden, there’s a lot of things that need improving and surveillance isn’t one of them.”

The CCPD, which has the largest drone program in South Jersey, suggested the purchase and use of the drones is all in the name of safety. The CCPD stated in a January 6th press release, “We’ve been able to capture offenders fleeing from the scene as well because when a call comes out, you click a button and the drone gets there within seconds.” The drones appear to be a means of fast response to crime in the city.

When asked how they feel about the police department using this type of technology, Moral says, “I am, maybe in the minority here, but I’m vehemently opposed to surveillance of this type of drone surveillance, or whatever they’re using it for. I don’t think it’s necessary, and I would say that it creates more problems than it solves.”

The CCPD stated they want people to know the drones will be used to surveil the city, and they will be used to aid the police department in active investigations.

As a Rutgers student, Moral said, “I would say that it feels closer to a 1984 situation than feeling safe on our campus, but who am I to say?”