Glen Carbon Police Department’s Drone Upgrade and Regional Collaboration

Adapting to New Aviation Regulations

In a move to adapt to the upcoming Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) drone requirements, the Glen Carbon Police Department, in partnership with neighboring fire and police departments, has embarked on a significant upgrade of their drone fleet. This step reflects the department’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology for public safety while adhering to new federal guidelines.

A Collaborative Approach to Drone Utilization

Initiated in 2019, the Glen Carbon Police Department, in collaboration with local fire departments and police squads, established a drone fleet primarily focused on public safety. Administrative Lieutenant Ned Miller highlighted the use of their existing drones, the DJI Matrice 210 V2 and DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise, in search operations and traffic crash reconstructions.

The partnership, recently renewed for another four years, now faces a significant shift with the FAA’s remote ID requirements starting in March 2024. To comply, the department reportedly has acquired a new DJI Mavic 3 drone and DroneSense software for $10,068.94. This new drone, equipped with advanced imaging and thermal cameras, is poised to handle diverse missions more efficiently.

Technological Upgrades and Legislative Compliance

With the upcoming FAA mandate, the department’s older drones will be donated to Maryville’s police and fire departments. These units, still functional, will require third party remote ID modules to meet the new standards.

The incorporation of DroneSense software marks a significant improvement in managing flight operations and providing real-time data to emergency responders during critical incidents. Additionally, the software’s compliance with federal data security standards ensures the integrity and safety of operational data.

Legal Framework and Ethical Use

Illinois law sets clear boundaries for the use of drones by police, restricting their use to specific situations such as search and rescue operations, public safety emergencies, and infrastructure inspections. Glen Carbon’s drone fleet operates within these legal confines, avoiding weapons, facial recognition, and routine surveillance. This disciplined approach underscores the department’s commitment to ethical use of technology.

Enhanced Public Safety and Future Plans

This regional partnership and technological upgrade have significantly bolstered public safety operations. The enhanced drone capabilities allow for more effective emergency responses, ensuring safety for both the public and emergency personnel.

In other developments, the Glen Carbon police department is addressing the longstanding issue of office flooding. A recent plan approval by trustees, developed by Thouvenot, Wade and Moerchen (TWM), promises a solution to this problem, marking yet another stride in improving the department’s operational efficiency.

The Glen Carbon Police Department’s proactive approach in adapting to new technologies and regulations, while ensuring legal compliance and ethical use, sets a commendable example in modern law enforcement and public safety management.