The Stalker VXE30: From Battlefield to Baton Rouge

The Stalker VXE30, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and initially distributed through Edge Autonomy (now operating under the Redwire brand), is a long-range, high-endurance drone capable of extended surveillance missions. According to reporting from WBRZ ABC2 in Louisiana, the drone, along with necessary training and battery systems, cost approximately $1 million.

Baton Rouge Police Department officers pose with the Stalker VXE30 drone, as shared on the BRPD’s Facebook page. Source

Unlike the more common DJI drones often deployed by police departments, or those from companies like Skydio in partnership with Axon and Flock Safety, the Stalker VXE30 boasts significantly greater range and endurance. It has been utilized in military operations globally and currently supports the U.S. Army in long-range reconnaissance missions.

BRPD Police Chief TJ Morse stated, “It can be miles away, but we can still have a camera looking at your face, so we can use it for surveillance operations.” This statement underscores the drone’s capacity for remote observation and raises concerns about the scope of potential surveillance.

Expanding Surveillance Capabilities and Potential Risks

The introduction of the Stalker VXE30 amplifies existing concerns surrounding drone technology. Drones inherently possess the ability to access areas traditionally off-limits to law enforcement, such as private backyards and decks. Footage captured by these devices can be stored and shared extensively, potentially beyond the scope of the initial investigation. Furthermore, the platform allows for the integration of additional surveillance tools, including automated license plate readers and facial recognition technology, enabling retroactive analysis of collected data.

The potential for equipping these drones with “payloads” – additional surveillance equipment or even weaponry – is particularly troubling. This raises the specter of a significant shift in the nature of policing, moving towards a more militarized and potentially intrusive approach.

What level of transparency should be required when deploying such advanced surveillance technology? And how can communities ensure that these tools are used responsibly and ethically?

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has filed a public records request seeking information regarding the conditions of the BRPD’s acquisition and any existing oversight policies. This action highlights the importance of public scrutiny and accountability in the deployment of advanced surveillance technologies.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Baton Rouge Police Drone

• What is the primary concern regarding the use of drones by the Baton Rouge Police Department?

  The main concern is the escalation of surveillance capabilities and the potential for the militarization of local law enforcement through the use of a military-grade drone, the Stalker VXE30.

• How does the Stalker VXE30 differ from drones typically used by police departments?

  The Stalker VXE30 has a significantly longer range and endurance than commercially available drones, and it was originally designed for military reconnaissance, making it a more powerful surveillance tool.

• What types of additional surveillance equipment can be added to the Stalker VXE30 drone?

  The drone can be equipped with “payloads” such as automated license plate readers and facial recognition technology, expanding its surveillance capabilities.

• What is the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) doing to address this issue?

  The EFF has filed a public records request to learn more about the conditions of the drone’s acquisition and any existing oversight policies.

• What can community members do to ensure responsible drone usage?

  Community members can advocate for policies that restrict drone usage, require transparency, and ensure public feedback on surveillance practices.