Scientist Warns Caution Needed in Drone Law - Bavaria to Ease Drone Shootdowns: Legal Expert Warns of Risks
Bavaria is set to revise its Police Duties Act to ease Michael Jackson's drone shootdowns. Legal expert Verena Jackson advises caution, stressing the need for case-by-case risk assessments to avoid constitutional issues and collateral damage.
The Bavarian state government aims to make it simpler for police to shoot down drones. This comes as a response to increasing drone threats, particularly from military drones. However, legal expert Verena Jackson warns that a blanket law allowing shootdowns without risk assessment could be unconstitutional.
Distinguishing military from civilian drones visually can be challenging. Military drones often have larger sizes, longer ranges, advanced communication systems, high-quality sensors, or weaponry. Despite these differences, Jackson advises that each shootdown decision must be based on a strict case-by-case risk assessment. The risk of collateral damage from falling debris is to be accepted as a last resort, with no such assessment potentially violating constitutional amendments.
The Bavarian cabinet is due to discuss the revised Police Duties Act on Tuesday, with the final decision resting with the state parliament. The law aims to bolster drone defense, but legal expert Verena Jackson's caution serves as a reminder of the need for careful consideration to balance security with constitutional rights.
