Ohio Law Enforcement Agencies Want Drone to Assist With Police Duties

Pending approval, the three groups will split the cost of the $75,399 drone, which will help with missing person searches and other tasks.

TOLDEO, Ohio — A small drone will be purchased by three law enforcement agencies to assist in missing persons searches and other police work pending approval of the purchase.

The Toldeo Police Department, Lucas County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon Police Division will divvy up the cost of the $75,399 unmanned aircraft system (UAS), with the sheriff’s office paying 10 % while the other two pay 45% each, according to the Toldeo Blade.

“I think technology is the future,” said Oregon police Chief Mike Navarre. “These are going to be very commonplace in not just police departments, but fire departments also. The uses for unmanned aircraft in public safety are unlimited.”

The drone would help in barricade and hostage situations, fires and search and rescue efforts, particularly in the water as the three departments are responsible for 250 square miles of water between Maumee Bay and Lake Erie.

“We’d be remiss as police chiefs to not utilize technology when it becomes available,” said Toledo police Chief George Karl. “And I’m sure once we get some success stories, we’ll find other innovative uses for them we’re not even considering right now.”

Navarre said they are in the process of obtaining a certificate of authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration.


More: New Drone Operates Under Water and in the Skies


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