June 6, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

LAPD Chief Beck to Vet Drones Before Use

Drones
LAPD Charlie Beck said he will make sure the drones his department received from Seattle police does not violate individual privacy. (Thinkstock)

A pair of aerial drones obtained by the Los Angeles Police Dept. could be used during “tactical events” such as manhunts and standoffs, Police Chief Charlie Beck said on June 5, adding that he wants proof of their usefulness before deploying them.

“All of you have watched standoffs, perimeters, suspects hiding – we’re interested in those applications,” Beck said during a news conference at LAPD headquarters.

The department plans to work closely with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to ensure the drones would not infringe on individual privacy rights, Beck said.

“I will not sacrifice public trust for a piece of police equipment,” he said.

The department received the Draganflyer X6 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles last week – at no cost to the City – from the Seattle Police Dept., which purchased them using federal grants.

Beck defended the LAPD taking the drones, saying such devices are already “in the hands of private citizens,” businesses and sports teams.

“When retailers start talking about using them to deliver packages, we would be silly not to at least have a discussion of whether we want to use them in law enforcement,” Beck said.

Online retailer Amazon.com recently announced it is flight-testing drones to possibly use them for deliveries.

“We would be foolish not to look at these systems and to see if in fact they can make a positive impact on public safety without eroding public trust,” he said.

Beck said he is “in absolutely no hurry whatsoever to deploy these instruments,” which will first undergo a “vetting process” before they would be used, Beck said.

The drones are being kept at an undisclosed federal law enforcement facility “pending review by the LAPD and the Board of Police Commissioners, as well as the public,” according to the LAPD.

The department must obtain a certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before the aircraft can be used, and that application process is in the very preliminary stages, police said last week.

Related Posts

(Video) See How CO2 Laser Treatment Removes Wrinkles and Scars

June 5, 2025

June 5, 2025

To Book an Appointment, Go to Mirrormirrormedspa.com To Book an Appointment, Go to https://t.co/GQ7DNcGw8E pic.twitter.com/OdAVVpLIcw — CCNewsLA (@CCWNNews) June 5,...

Film Review: Dangerous Animals

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

By Dolores Quintana There’s nothing quite like a good shark horror movie, especially since we are heading into summer. With...

Erewhon and LGBTQ Singer Kali Uchis Serve Summer Smoothie for a Good Cause

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

The Sincerely Smoothie Blends Passionfruit, Pitaya, and Malk Coconut Milk LGBTQ singer Kali Uchis has teamed up with Erewhon to...

Levain Bakery and Wanderlust Creamery Team Up for a Sweet Cause This Saturday

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

Lily Rosenthal and Chef Mason Royal Host a Cookie & Ice Cream Celebration Larchmont’s Levain Bakery will host a community...

Vietnamese Street Food Pop-Up ‘Little C’ Returns to Crustacean for Limited Lunch Series

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

After a Sold-Out Debut, the Fan-Favorite Phở-Forward Concept Reopens  Following a sold-out debut, the Vietnamese street food concept “Little C”...

Fogo de Chão Unveils Fiery Off-Menu Cocktail, the Paper Flame

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

Tequila-Based Drink Features a Dramatic Tableside Presentation Fogo de Chão has unveiled its first-ever secret cocktail, the Paper Flame, an...

Marelle Launches ‘The Guest List’ With Renowned Chefs and Friends Alan Wong and Raphael Lunetta

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

Santa Monica’s New Chef Series Debuts With a Culinary Celebration of California and Hawaiian Flavors Marelle, a coastal dining destination...

Culver City’s Citizen Public Market Launches Summer Lineup of Food and Art

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

From Brats to Biryani: Citizen Public Market Unveils Fantastic New Flavors  Culver City’s Citizen Public Market is rolling out a...

(Video) Some of the Damage Caused By Vandals at Malibu High School Overnight

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

40 to 50 people, who are suspected to be students or recent alumni, used eggs, flour, and markers to deface...

Biggest Night of the Year: Don’t Miss GMCLA’s ‘Dancing Queens’

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

Culminating its 46th season, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles will grace the crowd with Dancing Queens, celebrating iconic...

Driver Arrested for Suspected DUI After Rollover Crash in West Los Angeles

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

One Person Hospitalized, Light Pole Smashed After Late-Night Collision One driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI, and another person...

Pluto TV and Oscar-Winning Director Sean Baker Team Up to Host Free Weekend Screenings

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

Popcorn Challenge Interactive Event Set for Westfield Century City Mall  The historic Gardena Cinema, one of the last single-screen, family-operated...

Former ‘Real Housewives’ Husband Sentenced to Over 7 Years for $15 Million Client Fraud 

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

Federal Judge Rejects Plea for Medical Placement, Orders Restitution and Prison Time Disgraced former attorney Tom Girardi was sentenced Tuesday...

Malibu High Targeted in Overnight Vandalism Spree; Investigation Underway

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

Destruction on Campus Prompts Sheriff’s Probe; Students May Face Charges Vandals caused extensive damage to the school property of Malibu...

A Season of Gratitude: After One Year in Business, Urban Jungle Continues Making its Mark

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Over the last year, Urban Jungle, an indoor and tropical plants nursery, has continued its mission to cultivate a place...