News, deep dives, and analysis — every Ohio story, newest first.
Mansfield, Ohio, is set to become a trailblazer in emergency response technology with the introduction of a Drones as First Responders (DFR) program. The city may be the first in Ohio to adopt this cutting-edge approach, as reported by the Mansfield News Journal. A Bird’s Eye View for First Responders The Mansfield Board of Control…
Ohio State University researchers are diving deep into the world of agricultural drones, focusing on their use for spreading seeds. According to a report from the university, they’re testing various setups to find the sweet spot for accurate seeding rates and placement. Drone Spreader Tech The ag drone market’s hot right now, with many models…
The Fairview Park Police Department in Ohio has recently launched a new drone program, enhancing their law enforcement capabilities and emergency response. According to a recent report from Cleveland.com, the department has invested in two drones to provide “eyes in the sky” for various operations. A Lifesaving Investment Police Chief Paul Shepard was convinced of…
The Shaker Heights Police Department in Ohio is on track to acquire its own drone by the end of the year. This move comes after several work sessions discussing Chief Wayne Hudson’s request to use $22,000 from Law Enforcement Trust Funds for the purchase, reports Cleveland.com. Drone Capabilities and Costs The initial cost of the…
Legislation Aims to Balance Public Trust and Effective Policing As police departments across Northeast Ohio increasingly adopt drone technology, State Representative Bernie Willis is pushing for legislation that would require law enforcement to obtain search warrants for drone surveillance. House Bill 149 aims to strike a balance between maintaining public trust and allowing police to…
Why the Long Wait for Crime-Fighting Tech? The FOX 8 I-Team has uncovered delays in Cleveland police getting drones and cameras, equipment other departments have used for years. Despite City Council approving drone purchases in 2022, the city only ordered nine drones this February. Additionally, although cameras were installed in police cars last year, dashcam…
Debate Continues Over Police Department Request for Drones The Shaker Heights City Council continues to debate the police department’s request to purchase a $30,000 drone using forfeiture money. The discussion gained new urgency following a recent standoff involving an armed suspect, reports Cleveland.com, highlighting the potential benefits and concerns surrounding drone use. A Standoff Demonstra
New Legislation Aims to Close Privacy Loopholes with Drones In a move to bolster privacy protections, Ohio legislators are considering a new bill that would make it illegal to use drones for trespassing and voyeurism on private property. The proposed law, which had its first hearing recently, seeks to expand existing trespassing regulations to include…
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