Drone-as-first-responder programs, pursuit footage, evidence policy, and the departments putting UAS on patrol.
DJI Drone Technology Enhances Safety at the Jersey Shore Ocean City, New Jersey, has introduced a new police DJI drone unit to boost public safety and operational efficiency. Led by Lt. Mark Pancoast, the unit comprises three drones and five FAA-certified pilots, with a clear mandate to enhance officer and public safety, reports 6 ABC.…
A 44-year-old man from Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, has been arrested for allegedly using his drone to stalk and harass teenage girls in his neighborhood. Michael Francis Brackman faces multiple misdemeanor charges, including stalking, possession of an instrument of crime, harassment, and unlawful use of a manned aircraft, reports the Observer-Reporter. Complaints and Investigation Canonsburg police
The Renton Police Department (RPD) in Washington state is among the 1,400+ police departments nationwide utilizing drone technology, with over 30 drones and 24 FAA-licensed pilots. RPD is deploying drones across various divisions, from patrol to detectives and traffic investigations, to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in evidence collection and collision reconstruction. Drones Revolutionize C
Council Approves APD Drones Amid Heated Debate In a marathon meeting that stretched into the early morning hours, the Alameda City Council authorized the purchase of drones for the Alameda Police Department (APD) and approved a policy governing their use. According to The Alameda Post, the decision came after a contentious debate, with supporters arguing…
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office presented its annual military equipment use report, requesting over $160,000 in new equipment for the upcoming fiscal year. The requested items include multiple drones, firearms, and various types of ammunition, which the Sheriff’s Office claims would be useful in high-risk scenarios, reports The Sacramento Bee. Drones and Less-Lethal Ammunition Top…
In October 2018, the Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) launched the nation’s first Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, deploying drones to respond to 911 calls. Since then, the drones have flown nearly 20,000 missions, providing officers with critical intelligence before arriving on scene. While the department touts the program’s benefits, a WIRED investigation reveals…
La Prensa Fights for Public Access to Drone Videos In a groundbreaking legal battle, La Prensa, a Latino newspaper, has successfully challenged the City of Chula Vista’s attempt to withhold police drone footage from public scrutiny. The California Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the case affirms an appellate court ruling that the city’s blanket refusal…
The New York Police Department (NYPD) is launching a groundbreaking pilot program that will deploy drones to shooting scenes and other life-threatening emergencies. The drones will enable police to assess dangerous situations in under a minute and even drop medical supplies from the sky. Expanding Drone Usage for Public Safety This initiative is part of…
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