Texas Sheriff’s Department To Use Drones [VIDEO]

You've seen drones or what look like remote controlled helicopters being used in Iraq and Afghanistan by our military.  Now that technology has come to law enforcement officers in Texas.  It doesn't seem most people are bothered by this but there are critics, mainly the ACLU that are questioning it's usefulness.The Montgomery County Sheriff's Department purchased the drone with a $500,000 grant.  The ShadowHawk as it is know is 6ft. long and only weighs 50lbs and fits in the back of their SUV's.  It is unmanned and controlled by remote and a laptop.

It can read a license plate from 1200 ft(although FFA regulations keep it from flying above 400ft) and also has an infrared camera.  They can get a complete view of situations ranging from fires, ahazmat events such as chemical spills, suspect barricades and more.

No one has complained to the ACLU but future actions by the organization are not off the table.  They site "privacy" concerns as their main complaint.  However, the Sheriff's Department says that the only time you will be bothered by a drone is if you are breaking the law.