The Fairview Park Police Department in Ohio has recently launched a new drone program, enhancing their law enforcement capabilities and emergency response. According to a recent report from Cleveland.com, the department has invested in two drones to provide “eyes in the sky” for various operations.
A Lifesaving Investment
Police Chief Paul Shepard was convinced of the need for drones after a harrowing incident last year. A 6-year-old non-verbal autistic child went missing during a torrential rainstorm on the south end of town.
“It was probably one of the most anxious 30 minutes of my life,” Shepard recounted. The department had to call in drones from neighboring communities, which took an hour to arrive. Fortunately, the child was found safe in a tree, but the incident highlighted the crucial need for immediate aerial support.
Versatile Applications
The drones, purchased earlier this year for just under $11,000, serve multiple purposes:
- Search and Rescue operations
- Crowd security at large events
- Locating missing elderly individuals and children
- Tracking suspects on the run
- Enhancing officer safety during search warrants
Fairview Park Council President Michael Kilbane emphasized the importance of equipping safety forces with lifesaving technologies, stating, “Drones can be incredibly helpful in search and rescue situations, among other uses.”
Real-world Success
The drones have already proven their worth. In one incident, after a fast-food restaurant robbery on Lorain Road, police used a bomb squad drone to track a suspect who had broken through the perimeter. “He was hiding underneath a vehicle. We took him into custody, but who knows what would have happened,” Chief Shepard explained.
Future Plans
Currently, Fairview Park has one officer trained on drone operations, with plans to certify eight more next month. The department aims to have two drone-certified officers on each shift.
“Younger officers are able to adapt to the new technology because they grew up with it,” Shepard noted. “We’re trying to stay as current with whatever technology we can to help us make our job better.”
DroneXL’s Take
The adoption of Drone Technology by the Fairview Park Police Department exemplifies a growing trend in law enforcement. As we’ve seen in recent articles on drones for good, these unmanned aerial vehicles are becoming indispensable tools for public safety. From locating missing persons to de-escalating potentially dangerous situations, drones are proving their worth in protecting both officers and civilians. As more departments follow Fairview Park’s lead, we can expect to see increased efficiency and safety in law enforcement operations across the country.
What are your thoughts on police departments using drones? Share your opinion in the comments below.
Photo courtesy of H6 Photos
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