--- title: "US Police Testing “Pandemic Drones” That Monitor Social Distancing" description: "In collaboration with US drone manufacturer Draganfly, the police department in Westport, Connecticut is testing “pandemic drones” that can monitor if people are adhering to social distancing rules, as first spotted by CNET. According to a press release, the drones’ advertised capabilities are extensive. “A specialized sensor and computer vision systems that can display fever/temperature, […]" date: "2020-04-22" modified: "2020-04-22" authors: - name: "Victor Tangermann" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://futurism.com/authors/victor" url: "https://futurism.com/neoscope/us-state-testing-pandemic-drones-monitor-social-distancing" categories: - "Drones" - "Robotics" - "Robots and Machines" tags: - "coronavirus" - "covid19" - "drones" --- # US Police Testing “Pandemic Drones” That Monitor Social Distancing ![In collaboration with a drone maker, the Westport, Connecticut police department is testing "pandemic drones" that monitor if people are social distancing.]() *\Image: Draganfly Inc.\* In collaboration with drone manufacturer Draganfly, the police department in Westport, Connecticut is testing "pandemic drones" designed to monitor whether people are adhering to social distancing rules, as [first spotted by *CNET*](). According to a [press release](), the drones' advertised capabilities are extensive. They feature "a specialized sensor and computer vision systems that can display fever/temperature, heart and respiratory rates, as well as detect people sneezing and coughing in crowds, and wherever groups of people may work or congregate." The drones don't even have to get close to identify symptoms. "The technology can accurately detect infectious conditions from a distance of 190 feet as well as measure social distancing for proactive public safety practices," reads the press release. The news comes after both [China]() and [Spain]() implemented loudspeaker-equipped drones to remotely publicly shame people for breaking quarantine. "Together we are the first in the U.S. to implement this state-of-the-art technology to analyze data in a way that has been peer reviewed and clinically researched to save lives," said Cameron Chell, CEO of Draganfly in the press release. The idea is to keep first responders and officers safe by minimizing contact with the public. "The Westport Police Department along with first responders around the world are looking for effective ways to ease the spread of COVID-19 and keep their communities safe,” said Westport Chief of Police, Foti Koskinas in the statement. "This technology not only enhances the safety of our officers and the public, but the concept of using drones remains a go-to technology for reaching the most remote areas with little to no manpower needed," Koskinas added. ## Author I've been at Futurism since 2017, where my role has evolved to encompass design, writing, and increasingly editing. I've always been fascinated by space exploration and advanced transportation, which I've leaned into by interviewing luminaries in those fields while closely following the dimensions of policy and regulation that allow next-generation projects to succeed -- or, sometimes, to fail. I'm also keenly interested in the effects of generative AI on society, policies, and democratic institutions, as well as clean energy, physics and biology, and the vagaries of tech leadership. My work for Futurism has been cited by publications including Ars Technica, Gizmodo, PC Magazine, Jalopnik, Fox News, and the New York Post. I spent my childhood living in locations including Manila, the Philippines, and Geneva, Switzerland, attended McGill University, and now live in Toronto, Canada. Before Futurism I worked at AskMen and a small photography studio. In my free time, I'm an avid gardener, foodie, and craft beer lover, as well as a maker of artisanal hot pepper sauces. I have a magnificent dog named Freida. ### Author social links [Bluesky]()