Summit Police Department Launches Drone Program to Enhance Public Safety

The Summit Police Department in New Jersey has announced the launch of a new drone program aimed at bolstering its law enforcement and public safety operations, reports Union News Daily.

The department has acquired a DJI Matrice 30 drone equipped with a high-resolution camera and thermal imaging capabilities, which will be utilized in various scenarios, including Search and Rescue, crowd control and monitoring, searches for missing persons and suspects at large, accident assessment, and traffic data collection.

FAA-Certified Drone Pilots

To ensure the proper operation of the drone, four Summit police officers have undergone extensive training to become professionally certified as FAA licensed drone pilots. These officers have received training in airspace regulations and drone operation tactics, enabling them to effectively deploy the drone in various situations. The department plans to expand the fleet and certify additional officers as needed to meet the growing demands of the program.

Enhancing Emergency Response Capabilities

Chief Steven Zagorski emphasized the importance of the drone program in assisting the department during emergency situations.

“This valuable addition to our department will provide assistance in a number of emergency situations,” Zagorski stated. “There are thousands of law enforcement agencies around the country that have seen great success with their drone programs, and we are hopeful that ours will allow us to expand our capabilities across our different service areas.”

The drone’s ability to be rapidly deployed and arrive at an accident scene, structure fire, or another emergency scenario before First Responders is a significant advantage. It can provide real-time situational awareness, helping the department make more informed decisions, de-escalate situations when possible, and identify potential hazards.

The Summit Police Department’s drone program is a proactive step towards enhancing public safety and improving emergency response capabilities. With professionally trained and certified drone pilots, the department is well-equipped to handle a wide range of situations, ultimately benefiting the community it serves.

For more information on the program, interested parties can contact the Summit Police Department at 908-273-0051.

Featured photo shows a DJI Matrice 30 from the police department in Elizabeth, New Jersey.