Predator drone helps convict North Dakota farmer in first case of its kind | Fox News

It was only a short hop from "gathering metadata" to 24/7 monitoring, because you aren't doing anything wrong - right?

Years ago they'd have just shot the cattle rustling bastards.

Last year there was a Border Patrol car chase where a suspect vehicle 'spontaneously' exploded.

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/car-blows ... d=15927662

If you look at the hood of the car it's not a stretch to think there could have been some 'death from above' involved.

Frankly, I'd be surprised if the USAF driving the Predators around with warshots on the rails. Meaning I doubt it'll be too long before we see a Predator strike publicly acknowledged as taking place within the USA against, of course, politically acceptable targets like 'extremists' or 'cult members'.

Last year there was a Border Patrol car chase where a suspect vehicle 'spontaneously' exploded.

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/car-blows ... d=15927662

If you look at the hood of the car it's not a stretch to think there could have been some 'death from above' involved.

Frankly, I'd be surprised if the USAF driving the Predators around with warshots on the rails. Meaning I doubt it'll be too long before we see a Predator strike publicly acknowledged as taking place within the USA against, of course, politically acceptable targets like 'extremists' or 'cult members'.

Gotta keep them fundamentalist cattle rustlers in check with superior firepower!

Err that incident. That involved a Cartel revenge nuff said. Had nothing to do with drone's. DHS has all operational control of Drones along the US-MX Border. The USCG has standing order's to target Drone's with munitions in Civilian LE capacity. When it is the Military's Drone they notify us in the USCG 48 hours in advance with operational planning and mission. This is to prevent accidental Mis Use of Drone for Civilian purpose. The incident with the Car is Cartel revenge related incident.

Not to sound condescending, but you might not have tuned into the subtle undertone we were giving off there.

When China or Syria use military tech against civilians, the US is the first to denounce it. When the US does it, everyone just nods their head and goes on with their day.

What's the cost of operating a drone vs a helicopter for law enforcement?

Drone is cheaper and expendable.

Keep in mind most law enforcement agencies aren't using the "big toys" that spring to mind when you hear the world "drone".

Well, I guess that makes it all right then. Oh, wait . . .

Well, I guess that makes it all right then. Oh, wait . . .



Unless the guy owned the air space above his farm the authorities probably don't need a warrant to fly around in it.

Seems to me then that sense he does not own the air space he can have the right to shoot it down. It is unmarked ( can't see any US/State/County/City logos) he can claim it as UFO and state that he was in fear for his life and the well being of his family and property. Drone shootings will be on the rise seeing as how people don't want to be spied on and now it's being deemed legal by the courts to use things seen from the air in court with out first getting legal permission.

AFAIK the Predator is classified as a "medium altitude" UAV, you probably aren't going to be shooting it down with your varmint rifle.



Border Patrol marks their UAV's.

That's not what the police were using according to your previous picture.