Japanese Police Considering The Use Of Drones Following Abe Shooting
Japanese police are considering the use of drones to guard dignitaries in the wake of the fatal shooting of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo.
The National Police Agency has been looking into why police officers failed to protect Abe a month ago.
He was shot while making a speech in Nara City, western Japan, on July 8.
Police sources say the agency is considering using drones to protect key figures when they give speeches or are involved in other outdoor activities that draw crowds.
Drones are expected to make it possible for police to watch over an entire venue from above and detect suspicious movements.
In addition, the presence of drones is likely to discourage people from carrying out attacks.
The sources say the agency plans to examine the risk of falling drones and other issues.
They say agency officials are also considering protecting dignitaries with bulletproof glass. Abe was shot from close range.
Countries including the United States use bulletproof glass for security.
The sources say agency officials need to study how to use the glass flexibly, as it is quite heavy.
The National Police Agency plans to compile the results of its security review as early as this month.