New Orleans Police Respond to Drone Use as ACLU Raises Privacy Concerns

NOPD releases drone use map amid calls for program ...

New Orleans police respond to drone use as ACLU raises privacy concerns

The New Orleans Police Department is defending the department's use of drones after concerns were raised by the ACLU about privacy and missing data.

NOPD pushes back on drone criticism over privacy and transparency; new dashboard launched

The City Council has separately increased oversight of the program, including requiring NOPD to provide quarterly reports on drone usage.

New Orleans privacy advocates push for suspension of the NOPD drone program

Sarah Whittington, advocacy director for the ACLU of Louisiana (left), and Edith Romero, organizer with Eye on Surveillance (right), speak with members of City Council about the NOPD's drone program in New Orleans on August 31, 2026. Credit: Robert Stewart/Verite News

ACLU of Louisiana, Eye on Surveillance recommend suspending NOPD's drone program

The ACLU of Louisiana and watchdog group Eye on Surveillance are calling for the suspension of the New Orleans Police Department’s drone program until the city puts more guardrails in place.