DRNC convention overview and proceedings

Drone

Security during a large political setting is paramount to establishing a safe forum in which opinions can be expressed. As evidenced by the case, security, particularly during election years can become a very contentious issue. This is particularly true during the DRNC as the current political environment is notoriously quarrelsome. Aspects such as unprecedented government shutdowns, looming budget debates, rising inequality, and other issues are all very combative subjects. As such, individual groups or factions tend to be very aggressive in these views or opinions. These groups often resort to violence in order to gain momentum, media attention, or other means to gaining a desired outcome. Security is therefore needed to help prevent, detail, and otherwise curtail acts of violence. The drone proposal therefore within the context given in the case, seems as a viable option in protecting the well-being of participants of the DRNC and the surrounding community.

First, the cost associated with the use of drones is far superior to that of the manned aerial support. As the case indicates, drones are, in many instances, only 1/7 the cost of helicopters and other manned aircraft. This cost saving is particularly important within the context of the overall $1.9 million grant. As resources are limited, savings are critical is the overall safety of participants is not compromised. As drones are significantly cheaper than their human counterparts, the savings can be allocated to still further security measures on the ground. Aspects such as electronic detection systems, guards, and other forms of security could be increased. These aspects, without the cost savings garnered from the drones, would not be realized (Martin, 2011).

In addition, the drones are more productive and efficient protective methods. Drones do not suffer from human related error such as fatigue, miscalculation, and input error. In fact, drones are more productive as they do not need rest, or sleep. As such, they can be maintained in the air for surveillance periods longer than their human counterparts. This function is critical to the safety of the participants of the DRNC as even one minute of missed surveillance can cause massive casualties to the surrounding community. As drones are unmanned, troops and security personnel on the group have constant access to "eyes in the sky" functions whenever needed. Aspects such as tracking movements, monitoring individual activity, or even spotting suspicious behavior will be much more effective. In fact, drones are particularly adept at providing "real time" data that can used to make critical decisions on the ground level. Aspects such as hostage control and terrorist attack prevention are phases in which real time data is heavily relied upon.

Finally, Major Warren has much experience in regards to security and overall defensive tactics. These drones are personally recommended by Warren primarily through his extensive knowledge of security and head of the strategic tactic unit. He is particularly adept at hostage and barricade situations where drones would be particularly helpful. As Warren is a respected commander with extensive background, his recommendation is vital. Warren will be used extensively during the DRNC. As such, the tools that are within budget and come personally recommended should be taken into thorough consideration (Owens, 2011).

Much of the cons related to the drone activity are related to functionality and usefulness. In some instances proponents against the use of drones sight technical difficulties that could potentially arise. Drones, particularly in the DRNC setting, have never been used before. As such, they are untested pieces of equipment that could otherwise malfunction causing an increased threat to security. As drones rely heavily on the technology embedded in them, a malfunction could potentially sideline a drone for extended periods of time. During the period, the DRNC is susceptible to attack, endangering both the participants and the surrounding community. Although drones are more cost effective, their more expensive counterparts have been used extensively prior to the DRNC. As such the familiarity and overall reliability of manned aircraft should be taken into consideration.