Since last year, the municipal police of Nice have acquired three drones. Although their use is not yet authorized, the municipal police of Nice are ready to launch them.
The global security law, submitted to the national assembly in October 2020, authorizes the use of drones by the municipal police. However, the constitutional council has blocked this use by municipal officers. The council is expected to make a decision in the coming days to determine whether or not the municipal police will be allowed to use this technology.
As a result, the police in Nice find themselves with three drones: a large one capable of traveling more than a kilometer, another equipped with a thermal camera, and a smaller one able to maneuver through doors and windows, but they are unable to use them.
Even though municipal officers are not authorized to use the drones, the municipal police of Nice have trained four of their officers to operate them.
These drones will be particularly useful during significant events such as the Nice carnival, which will take place this year from February 11 to 27.
Currently, the use of drones by municipalities is limited to rescue operations and to the oversight of certain cultural events, and must be done with the prefect’s approval.
