Drones for crowd control in Florida sought by police

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Police want legislation that would limit their use of drones to include an exception for crowd control.

The sponsor, though, told a Senate committee on Wednesday he would vote against his own bill if such an exception is added.

Sen. Joe Negron, a Stuart Republican, said that would have let King George use drones against the Boston Tea Party if the unmanned aircraft had existed in the 18th century.

The Community Affairs Committee unanimously approved the bill (SB 92) although several members urged Negron to consider loosening its restrictions.

The bill would ban the use of drones for law and code enforcement with three major exceptions including terrorism.

It also would allow drone use authorized by search warrants and in cases of imminent danger such as a missing child.