Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office Pioneers Indoor Drone Use for Emergency Situations

The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado is leading the way in law enforcement drone usage, with deputies now able to deploy drones indoors to search for suspects or hostages during potential SWAT calls, according to the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office.

Cutting-Edge Technology Saves Lives

Sergeant Jeremiah Gates, who oversees the agency’s drone team, believes that this technology is the future of law enforcement, reports 9 News.

“The technology is here to save lives,” said Sgt. Gates. “We’re able to do things this year that we were not able to do last year with these drones.”

The agency’s drone team, launched in 2017, now features 14 pilots Part 107 certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Each deputy carries a small drone in their patrol vehicle, allowing for quick deployment when needed. In 2022, the team responded to over 70 calls, the highest number since the program’s inception.

Indoor Drone Capabilities Enhance Safety

One of the most significant advancements is the ability to fly drones inside buildings while monitoring the video feed from outside. This allows the team to search for suspects without putting K-9 units or deputies at risk.

“Before we send them in and put them in danger, I can fly a drone inside the building and get eyes inside, look for the suspect, potentially find the suspect, and then that way we can direct the SWAT team to right where they’re at,” explained Sgt. Gates.

Outdoors, the drones can be used to search for individuals or follow moving vehicles from the air, while adhering to FAA regulations such as flying below 400 feet and maintaining visual line of sight.

Addressing Privacy Concerns

The increased use of drones by law enforcement has raised privacy concerns from organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

Anaya Robinson, Senior Policy Strategist with the ACLU of Colorado, stated, “There are significant and severe privacy implications here when we allow law enforcement to use drones and other types of technology without regulation and without requiring that transparency to ensure accountability.”

Sgt. Gates acknowledged these concerns but believes they are misguided. He emphasized that the department honors everyone’s security and safety, and that a warrant is required to search a backyard with a drone, just as it would be for a ground search.

Neighboring Departments Follow Suit

The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office is not alone in its increased use of drones. Neighboring departments, such as the Adams County Sheriff’s Office with 7 drones and 15 operators, and the Denver Police Department with 3 operators in partnership with Denver Fire, are also expanding their drone teams.

As law enforcement agencies continue to adopt and refine drone technology, the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office remains at the forefront, demonstrating the potential for enhanced safety and efficiency in emergency situations.

Screen grabs courtesy of 9 News / Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office.