Bow Police Department Acquires Drone to Enhance Public Safety Response in New Hampshire

The Bow Police Department in New Hampshire will soon add an advanced drone system to its public safety arsenal, a move approved by the town’s select board to address critical response time challenges. The $9,713 investment will come from surplus funds resulting from three vacant positions within the department, reports The Concord Monitor.

Police Chief Ken Miller highlighted how the department currently depends on neighboring agencies like Hopkinton Police, State Police, and the Sheriff’s Department for drone support, often resulting in significant delays during emergencies.

“We’ve had so many incidents in town where we’ve actually had to call outside people to come in and get it, and a lot of times there is an extended time delay,” Miller explained during Tuesday’s select board meeting.

Operational Capabilities and Applications

The drone system will provide several tactical advantages, including thermal imaging capabilities during active shooter scenarios, intelligence gathering, risk assessment, suspect tracking, locating missing persons, and comprehensive crime scene documentation. Officer Joe Rheaume, already a Part 107 certified drone operator within the department, will lead the drone operations.

Chief Miller emphasized the technology’s dual benefits: “This technology allows us to be responsible and increase our efficiency while still maintaining transparency.”

Regulatory Compliance

The department must operate under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, which include obtaining appropriate search warrants prior to certain drone deployments. This ensures constitutional protections remain intact while utilizing advanced aerial technology.

Industry Context

This acquisition represents a growing trend among smaller police departments investing in Drone Technology to improve response capabilities without relying on external resources. For public safety agencies in communities like Bow, with approximately 8,000 residents, having dedicated drone equipment can reduce critical response times from hours to minutes, potentially making the difference in life-threatening situations.

DroneXL’s Take

This acquisition highlights how drone technology continues to transition from specialized equipment to essential public safety tools, even in smaller jurisdictions. The emphasis on both efficiency and transparency in Bow’s approach demonstrates a thoughtful implementation that balances technological capabilities with community TRUST, particularly important in New Hampshire’s close-knit communities.

Photo courtesy of Bow Police Department.