Toys R Us

[douglas9]

New Police Drone Near Houston Could Carry Weapons

CONROE, Texas -- A Houston area law enforcement agency is prepared to launch an unmanned drone that could someday carry weapons, Local 2 Investigates reported Friday.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office in Conroe paid $300,000 in federal homeland security grant money and Friday it received the ShadowHawk unmanned helicopter made by Vanguard Defense Industries of Spring.

A laptop computer is used to control the 50-pound unmanned chopper, and a game-like console is used to aim and zoom a powerful camera and infrared heat-seeking device mounted on the front.

"To be in on the ground floor of this is pretty exciting for us here in Montgomery County," Sheriff Tommy Gage said.

He said the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) could be used in hunting criminals who are running from police or assessing a scene where SWAT team officers are facing an active shooter.

Gage said it will also be deployed for criminal investigations such as drug shipments.

http://www.click2houston.com/news/29619788/detail.html

[Marnie]

1. Be afraid Americans. Be very afraid.

[sonias]

2. WTF?

Seriously in this time of budget financial crisis across the country the Sheriff's office in Montgomery County found $300K for a dangerous toy.

...could be used in hunting criminals

:wtf:

[douglas9]

3. Toys r Free?

Obtain a Grant

By nature of the Shadowhawk’s unique capabilities, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies can obtain 100% funding to purchase and maintain a UAS of their own. For further information on applicable grant funding please click the link below or contact us directly for further information.

http://vanguarddefense.com/public-safety/law-enforcement/


State Homeland Security Program (SHSP)

Total Funding Available in FY 2011: $526,874,100

Purpose: SHSP provides funding to support the implementation of State Homeland Security Strategies to address the identified planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercise needs at the state and local levels to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events. Consistent with the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-53) (“hereafter “9/11 Act”), states are required to ensure that at least 25 percent (25%) of SHSP appropriated funds are dedicated towards law enforcement terrorism prevention-oriented planning, organization, training, exercise, and equipment activities, including those activities which support the development of fusion center capabilities.

Eligible Applicants: The State Administrative Agency (SAA) was the only entity eligible to apply to FEMA for SHSP funds. Recipients include all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Program Awards: FY 2011 SHSP allocations were made based on three factors: minimum amounts as legislatively mandated, DHS’ risk methodology, and effectiveness. Each state and territory received a minimum allocation under SHSP using the thresholds established in the 9/11 Act. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico received 0.355 percent of the total funds allocated for grants under Section 2004 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. §101 et seq.), as amended by the 9/11 Act. Four territories (American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) received a minimum allocation of 0.08 percent of the total funds allocated for grants under Section 2004 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended by the 9/11 Act. Per the 9/11 Act, states were required to ensure that at least 25 percent (25%) of SHSP appropriated funds are dedicated towards law enforcement terrorism prevention activities.


http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/hsgp/index.shtm

[sonias]

4. Not really free

I mean we pay for the federal government funding too. I see what you mean though - this sheriff's budget didn't take the hit directly since the feds paid for it. :(

Why the tea party types should be all in a huff about increased federal taxes for over the top toys, right? :shrug:

[Name removed]

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