BURRILLVILLE – Pointing to the potential for unrest following the results of this week’s election, Burrillville Police Col. Stephen Lynch received council approval last week for the purchase of roughly $4,000 in riot gear for his officers.
The department’s request for approval of another $25,000 to purchase a drone, however, was tabled with the expectation that officials come back with bids for the purchase, along with a policy for when police could use the device. Councilors noted that while funds have already been allocated for the law enforcement expenses, the public should have the chance to hear details of plans for use of the drone, and to discuss privacy concerns.
“This is proactive. This is not reactive,” said Town Manager Michael Wood of the purchases. “This is to protect the employees that we have responsibility for.”
Lynch noted that the gear will include shin pads, upper armor and fire shields.
“All of those are basic tools for policing for any type of event that turns violent to protect the officers,” said Lynch. “This is defensive gear, not offensive gear. We’re not asking for rubber bullets or firearms.”
The colonel pointed to recent articles about concerns for potential unrest as following the results of Tuesday’s election, as well as intelligence from the FBI.
“There is strong potential from either side relative to how the national election plays out,” Lynch said. “It is certainly capable of generating unrest in any community. Can it happen here in Burrillville? It sure could.”
Lynch noted that the town’s officers are also on standby for deployment to assist in cities like Providence, a site of frequent riots in the spring, which have again been on the rise.
“If we have to send our people into such situations, I think it would be derelict if I didn’t ask for body protection,” Lynch said.
Councilor Stephen Rawson agreed.
“We would be remiss if we didn’t provide this equipment to protect them,” Rawson said. “We’re trying to prepare in the event that it happens. None of us have seen anything like this before.”
Awarding the bid for the protective equipment was initially part of an agenda item that also included purchase of a drone, but the items were separated following the board’s discussion.
“I think there’s a lot of citizens in this town that already feel their rights are already being infringed upon,” said Councilor Dennis Anderson on the issue of the drone. “I think this is an issue where there could be dramatically different views on the part of citizens.”
Resident Russell Jennings said that while he agreed with the purchase of police gear, the drone was a different issue – with the potential for violations of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
“I share concern when it comes to constitutional rights,” said Councilor Donald Fox. “The use of drones is a hot button topic all over the country.”
Still, Fox noted, “If I had a son or daughter lost in the woods, I would want every available resource to find that child.”
Lynch said that he started researching drones, “strictly as a tool for search and rescue,” for situations where darkness is an issue, or when officers can’t get to a search area.
“I see searchers get lost while they’re conducting the searches,” Lynch said. “We would have a policy specifically designed for use of the drone.”
“What is not going to happen is using the drone for surveillance to further a criminal investigation,” he added.
Solicitor William Dmitri pointed out that many states already have legislation governing when a drone can be used.
Councilors approved the award for protective gear and tabled discussion on purchase of a drone. The issue is expected to come back before the council at a future meeting with a draft policy and bids, as well as a plan for communication with residents on the topic.
