The police in Stockholm County have announced that they will be utilizing Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), also known as drones, to monitor certain areas in Solna and Stockholm’s inner city. This will take place on September 24, 2023, between 11:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
The decision to use UAS as a complement to police employees is aimed at preventing and detecting crimes or disturbances of public order and security. The areas that may be monitored using UAS include the subway station Solna Centrum and the commuter train station Solna Station in Solna municipality, as well as Vasastaden and the metro stations Odenplan and Rådmansgatan in Stockholm’s inner city.
It is important to note that the police have the legal right to carry out camera surveillance without permission if there is a risk of serious crime and the purpose is to prevent or detect such crimes. The recorded footage can be used as evidence in investigations and prosecutions.
However, there are limitations to the use of UAS. The operator of the drone is not allowed to film in private residences or other privacy-infringing places, but only in public areas. The police have also provided information on how they process personal data in relation to this surveillance.
The news was released by the police in Stockholm County on September 22, 2023, at 1:32 p.m.
This decision to use UAS for surveillance purposes showcases the evolving technology and its role in law enforcement. While it can aid in crime prevention and detection, it is important to strike a balance between privacy concerns and ensuring public safety.