Delegate/Pharmacist Interview
Questionnaire from St. Clare Walker TSA club members to Delegate/Pharmacist Keith Hodges on 5/11/13
Keith Hodges is a pharmacist, who has experience at the medical school of Virginia Commonwealth University. Also, he is a delegate in the Virginia House of Representatives. His medical and legal knowledge allow him to answer specific questions about our top ten emerging technologies. His experiences have definitely qualified him for this interview.
1. One emerging technology that we investigated is Metabolic Supplements. With your pharmaceutical background, do
you think that this technology would be beneficial to law enforcement?
This technology will give law enforcement an advantage over criminals by increasing muscle mass (strength) and mental
processing (alertness). Metabolic supplements do not help with endurance and will only benefit when short bursts of energy are
needed. Metabolic supplements are not a replacement for diet and exercise.
2. Microwave technology causes a chemical reaction within the body which heats the blood and immobilizes the target. This
is useful in riot situations. Can you think of any adverse reactions to using this technology?
Microwave technology is an interesting emerging technology that can be very effective in specific situations. Risk-benefit ratios
must be considered as this technology may cause adverse side effects. One must consider the safety of innocent bystanders and
the likelihood of injury during civil unrest. This technology may have merit, but only in narrow instances.
3. Are you aware of any legislation being considered that would impact law enforcement’s ability to use emerging
technology?
The Virginia General Assembly passed HB2012 in the 2013 legislative session. It placed a moratorium on the use of unmanned
aircraft systems by state and local law enforcement and regulatory entities until July 1, 2015, except in defined emergency
situations or in training exercises related to such situations. The moratorium does not apply to certain Virginia National Guard
functions or to research and development conducted by institutions of higher education or other research organizations. The bill
requires the Department of Criminal Justice Services, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General and other agencies, to
develop protocols for the use of drones by law-enforcement agencies and report its findings to the Governor and the General
Assembly by November 1, 2013.
4. Do you feel that law enforcement should be regulated when it comes to using emerging technologies to protect the
citizens of the United States?
Yes. These new technologies should be regulated to ensure that they are used appropriately. Laws and regulations should be in
place to guarantee that the technologies do not infringe on a citizen’s constitutional rights.
5. Do you feel that use of technological advancements by law enforcement could impact a citizen’s First Amendment rights?
Yes. If used inappropriately or if excessive force is used, a citizen’s first amendment rights can be adversely impacted.
you think that this technology would be beneficial to law enforcement?
This technology will give law enforcement an advantage over criminals by increasing muscle mass (strength) and mental
processing (alertness). Metabolic supplements do not help with endurance and will only benefit when short bursts of energy are
needed. Metabolic supplements are not a replacement for diet and exercise.
2. Microwave technology causes a chemical reaction within the body which heats the blood and immobilizes the target. This
is useful in riot situations. Can you think of any adverse reactions to using this technology?
Microwave technology is an interesting emerging technology that can be very effective in specific situations. Risk-benefit ratios
must be considered as this technology may cause adverse side effects. One must consider the safety of innocent bystanders and
the likelihood of injury during civil unrest. This technology may have merit, but only in narrow instances.
3. Are you aware of any legislation being considered that would impact law enforcement’s ability to use emerging
technology?
The Virginia General Assembly passed HB2012 in the 2013 legislative session. It placed a moratorium on the use of unmanned
aircraft systems by state and local law enforcement and regulatory entities until July 1, 2015, except in defined emergency
situations or in training exercises related to such situations. The moratorium does not apply to certain Virginia National Guard
functions or to research and development conducted by institutions of higher education or other research organizations. The bill
requires the Department of Criminal Justice Services, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General and other agencies, to
develop protocols for the use of drones by law-enforcement agencies and report its findings to the Governor and the General
Assembly by November 1, 2013.
4. Do you feel that law enforcement should be regulated when it comes to using emerging technologies to protect the
citizens of the United States?
Yes. These new technologies should be regulated to ensure that they are used appropriately. Laws and regulations should be in
place to guarantee that the technologies do not infringe on a citizen’s constitutional rights.
5. Do you feel that use of technological advancements by law enforcement could impact a citizen’s First Amendment rights?
Yes. If used inappropriately or if excessive force is used, a citizen’s first amendment rights can be adversely impacted.