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The Los Angeles Police Department flew its drone-as-first-responder fleet more than 3,500 times in the program’s first year, according to a report headed to the Police Commission this week, as reported by Govtech. The fleet now plans to nearly triple, growing from 9 to 24 aircraft, with a $1.2 million Police Foundation donation funding part…
That question became EccoDrone, a nonprofit project focused on using autonomous drones with ai and computer vision to detect trash in
A commercial drone operated by 2A Tac Air Services was shot out of the sky in Corinth, Maine, on Tuesday, September 9, while assisting in a search for two missing beagles, according to WMTW. The drone’s operator, Rob Russell, says the incident caused thousands of dollars in damage and threatens his ability to continue search-and-rescue…
In a significant step for utility management, Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) will expand its inspection program utilizing drones across northern Vermont in June 2025, covering over half of its service territory. This initiative, aims to enhance grid reliability and safety while reducing operational costs through advanced aerial technology, reports WFFF. Scaling Up Its Operations with…
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) reports that “drone as first responder” (DFR) programs are rapidly gaining popularity among law enforcement agencies across the United States. These programs involve deploying camera-equipped drones to 911 call locations before officers arrive, ostensibly to provide “situational awareness.” The Rise of DFR Programs Since the Chula Vista Police Department la
Retired Trooper Turns Drone Pilot to Save Lost Pets In Malone, New York, Chad Tavernia is using his drone to reunite families with their lost dogs. Tavernia, a retired New York State Police trooper and investigator, has reportedly successfully located 18 missing dogs since late January through his venture, North Country Drone Search & Recovery.…
Drones are buzzing around a Vermont high school as students prepare to compete in the National Aerial Drone Championships in West Virginia. The River Valley Tech Club, which hosted Vermont’s first aerial drone tournament in January, will reportedly represent the state as the sole team from Vermont at this prestigious event. Rising Stars of the…
In Vermont, a proposed bill aiming to restrict drone usage near private properties has recently soared into the legislative spotlight. While it initially failed to clear the crossover deadline, lawmakers have ingeniously kept its hopes alive by incorporating its provisions into a broader legislative package, H.878. This measure addresses “miscellaneous judiciary procedures” and has already…
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