Wheat Ridge Police Department Takes to the Skies with Drone Technology

The Wheat Ridge Police Department in Colorado has recently joined the growing ranks of law enforcement agencies embracing drone technology. According to a report from the JeffCo Transcript, the department acquired three drones in December and began implementing their drone program in earnest this spring.

Expanding Capabilities and Coverage

Commander Lucas Hunt, who oversees the drone program, highlighted the benefits of this new technology: “It helps us cover more area and is really a force multiplier.” The drones are being utilized in various operations, including building searches, missing person cases, and special events.

Department spokesman Alex Ross emphasized that the drones are “really an extension of what we’re already doing,” noting their particular usefulness in scenarios like locating missing persons in wooded areas.

Nationwide Trend in Law Enforcement

The adoption of drones by Wheat Ridge PD is part of a larger trend across the United States. KUNC radio reports that over 1,400 law enforcement agencies nationwide are now using drones, according to data from the American Civil Liberties Union. In Colorado alone, at least 20 departments have incorporated drone technology into their operations.

Addressing Public Concerns

Recognizing mixed reactions to drone usage, the Wheat Ridge Police Department is taking steps to ensure transparency. Ross regularly posts drone videos on Facebook, demonstrating how they’ve aided both officers and suspects in maintaining safety during operations.

“There’s a fear that it’ll be like 1984; I’m trying to dispel that,” Ross stated. He clarified the department’s policy: “We will not use the drones in a place where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy.”

Practical Applications

The department’s drones are equipped with cameras and heat signature detection capabilities but do not carry any weapons. A recent operation showcased the technology’s effectiveness when a DJI Avata drone was used to locate a man and his dog squatting in a vacant building, allowing officers to approach the situation with better information.

Ross emphasized the safety benefits: “I’d much rather have someone shoot the drone than our people.”

Ongoing Development and Regulation

As with most technological advancements in law enforcement, the use of drone footage is still being refined. Unlike body camera footage, which is governed by specific legislation, drone recordings are only required when the video will be used as evidence.

Ross maintains a commitment to transparency, regularly sharing drone footage on social media unless it’s part of an active criminal investigation. “We are not just Big Brother in the sky,” he assured, “but the applications to use them are fascinating.”

DroneXL’s Take

The adoption of drone technology by the Wheat Ridge Police Department reflects a growing trend in law enforcement that promises enhanced operational capabilities and improved officer safety. As more agencies across the country integrate drones into their daily operations, we’re likely to see continued innovation in how these tools are used to serve and protect communities.

While privacy concerns are valid and should be addressed, the transparent approach taken by departments like Wheat Ridge PD sets a positive example for responsible drone use in law enforcement. As the technology evolves, it will be crucial for agencies to maintain this balance between operational effectiveness and public trust.