Orange County Sheriff: My Drones Won't Be Used for Spying

The Orlando Sentinel reports that two drones, costing taxpayers $50,000, have been donated to the Orange Countysheriff's department by the Obama administration.

"This is not about intruding,'' Sheriff Jerry Demings said at a demonstration of the drones. "We're not going into any homes.''

Demings said the drones will only be used in "unique" circumstances. The Sentinel gives the examples of"when a hostage has been taken, dangerous chemicals spilled, a terrorist is on the loose or when someone is missing in remote woods." The sheriff says the 50-grand "investment" is worth it if it "save[s] just one life."

Earlier this week, Sen. Joe Negron, R-Palm City, scored an early victory for his "top priority" anti-drone bill. The legislation would permit drones' use in the above-mentioned circumstances. Negron's bill is being supported by civil libertarian organizations, including the Florida chapter of the ACLU.