Wheat Ridge Police Elevate Crime Fighting with Drone Program

In Wheat Ridge, Colorado, the local Police department has introduced a cutting-edge drone program designed to enhance their investigative capabilities. Led by a team of eight skilled drone pilots, this initiative marks a significant advancement in law enforcement tactics within the community.

Revolutionizing Police Work

Enhanced Crime Scene Analysis

The drone team at Wheat Ridge Police Department is not just about adding aerial views to the police toolkit; it’s revolutionizing how officers approach crime scenes and tactical situations.

“We’ve been able to get just different perspectives of serious car crashes, situational awareness, overwatch when we’re on calls,” reportedly explained Sgt. John Bowman.

The drones provide a unique vantage point that is invaluable during complex investigations.

By flying drones over locations like the bustling Interstate 70, the team can swiftly assess crash sites, search for missing individuals, or track suspects—tasks that might be cumbersome or impossible from the ground.

“The drones have the ability to actually tell you what the heat signatures, approximate temperature is. It’ll tell us distance. We’re able to drop pin markers if we’re looking for something or looking for somebody that was running,” Bowman detailed.

Crime Scene Recreation

Beyond immediate aerial surveillance, the drones are instrumental in recreating crime scenes. This technology allows for the capture of detailed photographs and data to map out scenes accurately, aiding in the thorough analysis and piecing together of events as they unfolded.

“We’re able to utilize these drones to take a series of photos, put them in mapping and recreate a crime scene,” said Bowman.

This process helps to clarify the sequence of events between points A and B, providing a clearer picture of what occurred, filling in gaps that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Continuous Advancements and Operations

The drone program officially began regular operations in April and has been integral in daily police work ever since. With a pilot available on each shift, the department ensures round-the-clock readiness to deploy drones whenever they might be needed, ensuring continuous support in all police operations.

Drones Enhance Police Capabilities

The introduction of the drone program by the Wheat Ridge Police Department represents a significant leap forward in law enforcement technology. It not only enhances the ability of police to respond more effectively to incidents but also provides them with tools necessary for a more complete understanding of crime scenes.

As Sgt. Bowman put it, “You have A and B, and this helps us fill in C.” With this new “eye in the sky,” the department is set to face the challenges of modern policing more effectively, ensuring safety and justice for the community of Wheat Ridge.

Photos courtesy of Fox 31 News and KDVR.