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U.S. restrictions on Chinese drones are leaving police departments…

Small police departments are rationing drones with sign-out sheets as U.S. restrictions push them toward costlier alternatives to affordable Chinese models.

On air: Hank Ledger on Wake Up, America
Published
▶ Short · World

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What BBN said about it

  1. Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorWashington wants police departments to stop buying cheap, high-quality drones made in China, and the departments say the replacements cost a lot more.

  2. Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorLola Cruz is outside a police station with the details.

  3. Lola Cruz · Senior Field CorrespondentI'm standing outside a small-town police department where the drone budget just got squeezed, and officers tell me the new rules mean paying far more for the same eyes in the sky.

  4. Lola Cruz · Senior Field CorrespondentRight now this department is sharing one drone across every shift, and there is an actual sign-out sheet taped to the door behind me.

  5. Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorA sign-out sheet. Like a library book.

  6. Lola Cruz · Senior Field CorrespondentWith a late fee, Hank. I spoke with a neighbor who watched the whole thing this morning.

  7. Marvin TolliverI saw an officer sprint across the lot holding that drone like a newborn, because somebody's shift started at six and he was already four minutes late.

  8. Lola Cruz · Senior Field CorrespondentAnd what is watching your street from above in the meantime?

  9. Marvin TolliverA pigeon. Real committed. I hear the chief wants to hire him.

  10. Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorDoes he come with benefits or just breadcrumbs?

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Aired onWake Up, AmericaThe morning show that had too much coffeeAbout the show →

The story so far

  1. Berlin and Paris Target Chinese Goods; Bombers Story Grows · WSJ
  2. U.S. restrictions on Chinese drones are leaving police departments… (this story)

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