Civilians tailing civilians is one thing, but military tailing civilians had some legal problems[1]. I am not really happy they used one to execute what should be an illegal search for some cows in ND[2].

1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posse_Comitatus_Act

2) http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/crime/north-dakota-po...

Isn't there an increase in cattle rustling in the prairie states?

Not saying the military should be directly involved, but I can see some org dedicated to finding rustlers using this technique as an option, if it's effective.

North Dakota didn't see the rise that other states did. That is probably from all the oil jobs in western ND.

The military is not supposed to be directly involved in civilian law enforcement. Effective is not a consideration at that point. It would cut crime a lot to have troops on every corner of Detroit, but that is not something that is good long term for the citizens of the US.

How was that an illegal search?

Using a military drone to do civilian law enforcement should violate the act, but I guess we will see as the case makes its way through the courts.

They can't really do any harm, unless the unthinkable happens, and someone hacks them.

Thankfully, that won't happen: http://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2012/07/02/drone-hackedwith-....