Pineville Police are taking to the skies in an effort to curb crime. Chief Darrell Basco said their newest drone won’t require an operator to be called in when needed and it’s accessible for the patrol division 24/7. And it’s not your average drone, he said it allows them to see things in real-time.
“Instead of having to bring it in, dock it, transfer the video, then review the video. So it’s a little bit more powerful and robust than a consumer drone,” said Basco.
The newest member of the force also has infrared and thermal capabilities and can arrive at the scene before officers allowing them to assess a situation before they respond.
Basco said the drone will increase their coverage when a patient goes missing from either the Pinecrest Developmental Center or Central State Hospital. Before the drone, Basco said they would have to send up to four cars to grid and block a search area.
“Where the drone gives us the ability to cover probably three times the amount of area with one piece of equipment,” said Basco.
The drone can be used to assist in searches for missing children as well.
Basco said they want to use as much technology that’s available to law enforcement to help them solve crimes quicker…
“And more importantly prevent crime before it occurs,” said Basco.
The drone can reach heights of 10,000 feet and is valued at $12,000.
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