The UK's first police remote control helicopter has taken off.

Merseyside police are using the "spy drone", fitted with CCTV cameras, mainly for tackling anti-social behaviour and public disorder.

Fortunately, arguments about the impact of total surveillance on the health of a society based on conjecture, extrapolation, and references to decades old novels and historical precident will no longer be needed, as the U.K. will soon become a total surveillance society, in which every citizen is always watched while outdoors.

This is really ripe for research. What effects of this that are visible yet? Who is studying it? Are legal behaviors also deterred? Are the systems abused? Are people aware that they are being watched? What impact is all of this having on the quality of life in England?

I recall a frustrating moment in Canada recently where I was driving a car in an area where the speed limit was suddenly decreased by 20 klicks on the downhill slope of a divided, multi-lane highway monitored by speed cameras, and as I slowed down I met an intersection, monitored by red light cameras, and just as I reached it the light turned yellow. I was faced with the choice of:

1. Slamming the on the breaks, potentially causing a rear end collision.
2. Slamming on the gas, potentially tripping the speed camera.
3. Continuing at my given pace, potentially tripping the red light camera.

I was happy that the state was looking out for my interests. A certain kind of submission set in. I knew I was a criminal, and whatever fate befell me I certainly deserved. I slammed on the gas.

BBC NEWS | England | Merseyside | Pilotless police drone takes off