The Harrisville Police Department as a Drone Program. HPD has several FAA-Certified Drone Pilots licensed to fly sUAS under 1 CFR Part 107. HPD pilots along with UAS pilots from other agencies throughout the country support each other through a myriad of operations including law enforcement, search and rescue, and public works missions.
Drones play a crucial role in law enforcement, benefiting both officers and the community. Heres how:
Enhanced Situational Awareness: Drones provide real-time aerial views, aiding officers in assessing situations, monitoring crowds, and identifying potential threats. This improved situations awareness enhances officer safety and helps prevent crime.
Aerial Surveillance: Drones can cover large areas quickly, making them ideal for search and rescue missions, locating missing persons, and monitoring events. They reduce the need for manpower-intensive ground searches, saving time and resources.
Crime Scene Investigation: Drones equipped with thermal cameras can assess crime scenes, locate evidence, and track suspects. This speeds up investigations, reduces contamination risks, and ensures accurate documentation.
Tactical Operations Support: During SWAT operations, drones provide overwatch, allowing officers to see around obstacles and assess dangerous situations. Their real-time video feeds aid decision-making and enhance officer safety.
Cost Savings: Drones are cost-effective compared to helicopters or manned aircraft for surveillance and search operations.