Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office Expands Drone Unit for Enhanced Public Safety

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department in West Virginia has recently expanded its drone unit, aiming to enhance public safety and protect officers. This move comes after the department obtained an additional Certificate of Authorization (COA) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), allowing them to broaden their drone capabilities. The new drone unit is led by Jarred Payne, who emphasizes the importance of providing this resource to officers in the field, reports WSAZ.

Expanding Drone Capabilities

The department has been using drones for several years under FAA rules, but the new authorization allows them to expand their operations. The unit now consists of eight members, with four dedicated to 911 call officers and four specializing in different missions. This ensures that the drones can be effectively utilized for various tasks.

“They are out there protecting the community and answering the call and for me to get out there and give them a tool that really, really helps them to be able to do their job better and adds a positive outcome,” Payne said.

High-Tech Drones for Various Missions

The drone unit includes two drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and one featuring infrared technology. These advanced features have already proven valuable to the department. The drones are used for aerial surveillance, searching for missing persons, tracking fleeing suspects, and surveying natural disasters.

“To be able to get the aerial surveillance whether to be looking for a missing person, whether it be tracking fleeing suspects, whether it be surveying natural disasters,” Payne said. “It’s extremely valuable to law enforcement to be able to have a tool like a drone.”

Future Plans

The department plans to expand its drone capabilities further by incorporating more platforms and specialized equipment. This will allow them to tackle a wider range of missions and improve their overall effectiveness.

DroneXL’s Take

The expansion of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department’s drone unit highlights the growing importance of drone technology in public safety.

As drones become more advanced, they offer law enforcement agencies valuable tools for aerial surveillance, search and rescue, and disaster response.

This development aligns with the broader trend of drones being integrated into various aspects of public service, as seen in recent articles on drone technology and first responders. The use of drones in law enforcement not only enhances the safety of officers but also improves the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations.

What are your thoughts on the use of drones in law enforcement? Leave your comments below.