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Seattle Grounds Police Drone Program

Saying police need to stay focused on "community building," Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn has pulled the plug on the department’s controversial drone program even before it got off the ground.

The Seattle PD returned two Draganflyer X6 UAVs following community protests. Photo via Draganfly Innovations.The Seattle PD returned two Draganflyer X6 UAVs following community protests. Photo via Draganfly Innovations.

Saying police need to stay focused on "community building," Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn has pulled the plug on the department's controversial drone program even before it got off the ground.

In a brief statement Thursday, McGinn said he and police Chief John Diaz agreed that it was time to end the program so the Seattle Police Department "can focus its resources on public safety and the community building work that is the department's priority."

McGinn said the two drones purchased by the city with federal funds will be returned to their vendor.

Read the full Seattle Times story.

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