A draft New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) drone manual, briefly published online, would have allowed police drones to carry weapons with written approval from the superintendent, according to 404 Media.NOPD clarified the document was an early draft, and their current policy (PDF) explicitly bans drones from carrying weapons or hazardous materials.

The current version of the policy states, 'The sUAS shall not be equipped with weapons or hazardous materials of any kind,' referring to small Unmanned Aerial Systems.NOPD emphasized that the published manual was a draft version, and the current policy is the official version.The incident highlights tensions between internal police planning and public policy, as New Orleans has a history of controversial policing tactics.Critics argue that the draft's existence suggests ongoing consideration of weaponized drones, despite official prohibitions.The article also notes broader implications for law enforcement's use of drones, with debates over legal and ethical boundaries.

Comments from readers reflect concerns about potential misuse, legal justifications for lethal force, and the role of public oversight in policing decisions.