"DHS granted hundreds of thousands of dollars to LE agencies around the country for UAVs." (Drones)

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Maine State Police purchased (literal) toy #drone -- no FAA authorization to fly http://bit.ly/Z6NhcC @drones @EFF #drones
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Maine State Police purchases ‘toy’ drone for tactical missions

https://www.muckrock.com/news/archives/2013/mar/01/maine-state-police-toy-drone/

The Maine State Police (MSP) spent just $300 to purchase an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in January. The small drone, marketed as a toy plane for filmmaking, is controlled via smartphone or tablet application.

While this UAV model is not designed for law enforcement use, the department indicates it intends to use the unit in field operations.

The Department of Homeland Security has granted hundreds of thousands of dollars to law enforcement agencies around the country for UAVs. Typically the units cost more than $10,000. The Seattle Police Department spent more than $82,000 on its two Draganflyer units, which they recently were forced to return to the manufacturer. The sheriff in The only document MSP released with the invoice was an unsigned and undated list of pros and cons for the purchase of the AR.Drone. Listed pros include the camera's “crystal clear” images, its “100 meters of capability,” usefulness as a “great reconnaissance tool” and budget-friendly price tag. The list enumerates four cons (one of which was redacted): short flight time, susceptibility to wind and the UAV's intended use as a toy. Montgomery County, Texas purchased its Shadowhawk UAV at a cost of more than $220,000.

But MSP incurred a cost of only $304.93 for its Parrot AR.Drone 2.0, according to an invoice released to MuckRock as part of the 2012 Drone Census. MSP purchased the indoor hull model of the AR.Drone. Manufacturer specifications for the AR.Drone indicate that the units weigh less than 15 ounces and can fly for 15 minutes on a single battery charge.

The only document MSP released with the invoice was an unsigned and undated list of pros and cons for the purchase of the AR.Drone. Listed pros include the camera's “crystal clear” images, its “100 meters of capability,” usefulness as a “great reconnaissance tool” and budget-friendly price tag. The list enumerates four cons (one of which was redacted): short flight time, susceptibility to wind and the UAV's intended use as a toy.

(More at the link.)