Durham's drone debate: A glimpse into the future of high-tech policing in America
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- A nearly two-hour debate Monday night brought Durham City Council members, police officials and residents together to weigh the future of police surveillance technology and the role it should play in modern crime-fighting.
Speakers lined up to voice support or opposition to renewing the city's contract with Axon Enterprises Inc., a deal worth $16 million that would allow the Durham Police Department to continue using and expanding its technology tools, including the purchase of new drones.
"I'm here to speak against the over $16 million budget proposed for police surveillance technology," one resident said.
"Just cancel this contract. We don't need more surveillance of our people," another speaker told council members.
Others argued the technology is necessary to help solve crimes and support victims.
"Victims of crime want to know everything that can be done is being used to decrease crime in our community and hold those who commit crime accountable," one supporter said. "We can't be afraid of it. It is here. It is with us."
The debate reflects a broader national question: as technology advances, how much should police departments rely on hightech tools to investigate and prevent crime?
"It's almost a necessity," said Robert Gaddy, police chief at North Carolina Central University and a former longtime Durham police officer. "Everything around you is constantly changing. If you don't advance, you're going to get left behind."
Gaddy said technology has transformed investigative work, pointing to AIassisted cameras that allow officers to track suspects across multiple locations.
"If you have a suspect wearing a black shirt and blue pants, you're able to search for that suspect and find them from frame to frame," he said. "Depending on how many cameras are in your network, you may find them going from point A to B."
He said such tools help officers solve cases faster and bring closure to families affected by violent crime.
Still, Gaddy acknowledged community concerns about privacy and emphasized the need for oversight.
"Careful auditing of the work our folks are doing ensures they are abiding by the rules," he said. "People like myself must hold people accountable."
Despite the growing reliance on technology, Gaddy said it cannot replace traditional community policing.
"Crimes still don't get solved without our citizens," he said. "Them being up front and honest, providing information..that's the best source. It beats any type of technology we have."
In a 6-1 vote, the City Council approved renewing the Axon contract.
The agreement includes:
- Six drones as first-response units
- 100 additional in-car cameras
- Virtual-reality taser training
- Axon's digital platform and auto-transcription services
- Unlimited device and third-party data storage
The vote comes as the city enters the final week of its search for a new police chief.
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