California Police Use Drones to Track and Arrest Repeat Shoplifters in Clovis

Drones are increasingly being used by police departments and private security teams to track and apprehend shoplifters, with programs like Clovis Police Department's Drone First Responder (DFR) playing a crucial role in recent arrests. These drones, equipped with advanced cameras capable of reading license plates and capturing detailed physical descriptions, provide a cost-effective alternative to helicopters and can cover large areas quickly. Companies like Flock have expanded drone surveillance services to stores and shopping centers, allowing security teams to follow suspects and their vehicles, with video feeds potentially shared with police for rapid response. While the technology has proven effective, with success rates in suspect location as high as 89%, it raises significant privacy concerns, as highlighted by civil liberties advocates. The Federal Aviation Administration is also easing regulations to facilitate more widespread commercial drone use. Overall, drone surveillance is becoming a transformative tool in retail security and law enforcement, though it continues to prompt debate over privacy and civil rights.