27-Nov-2012 Source: Dept of Homeland Security
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Science &Technology (S&T) Directorate and the State of Oklahoma are partnering on the Robotic Aircraft for Public Safety (RAPS) project to test and evaluate Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) for potential use by the first responder community and DHS operational components. SUAS include small aircraft (typically under 55 pounds and having wingspans of 3-6 feet or less) that are operated using a wireless ground control station (GCS). The aircraft are equipped with sensors and cameras that can capture images and transmit them to a ground control system to provide aerial views of emergency situations and situational awareness. DHS S&T is conducting a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) to address the privacy impacts of the system’s surveillance and image capturing capabilities.
See the full 8 page report here