An article by WKYC shares some of the ways public safety agencies are implementing this rapidly improving technology:
Whether it be searching for suspects or fighting brush fires and even sniffing out hazardous materials, the list of ways drones are being used by public safety agencies is growing.
“Our first drones were in 2006,” says Medina County Detective Sgt. Larry Covey. “I didn’t know of any other departments at the time that were utilizing the drones. Nothing compared to what we’re using now.”
With rapidly improving technology, it’s cheaper and easier to pilot.
“Having the zoom gives us the ability to back out, to be away, not be visible,” Covey says. “It’s hard to stay quiet when it’s so quiet outside.”
Covey says this is crucial, giving an example with a SWAT standoff involving a young child.
“The officer that was flying our drone that night was able to get on the radio and give real-time updates without putting anyone in danger. Where everything was situated, we didn’t have anyone that could see inside the vehicle and the drone was able to do that. … It gave everyone the information that they needed to make the decisions that were made that night. Without that, again, you know, time isn’t always on our side, and that’s one of those situations where the longer we took the worse it was going to be.”
Data from the Electronic Frontier Foundation shows more than 80 Ohio-based agencies have drones. Their use is regulated by the federal government with additional state rules signed into law this year.
Recent attempts by Ohio lawmakers to require search warrants for drone surveillance or ban them being equipped with lethal weapons have failed.
Concerns surrounding drone data and privacy has made it difficult on some departments, says Roger Mortimer whose Ohio Drone Repair equips and trains departments statewide.
“With the negative views on them, it’s hard for public safety agencies to get funding or other grants related to it because they think they’re just toys for them when in reality they’re being used every single day,” Mortimer tells 3News.
Whether it be searching for a missing person, investigating car crashes and even entering homes during SWAT situations, Mortimer says drones can save time, money and lives.
“It is easier to replace the drone instead of an officer’s life,” Mortimer says.
Soaring to new heights, together.
Be sure to visit the BWU Technology Partnerships Initiative website to learn more about how our NEOFIX program drives economic growth, promotes policy and infrastructure to improve drone safety and efficiency in various industries, and ensures that drone technology is being used responsibly.