Drone as First Responder
Police drones are in our future in downtown according to a presentation by LAPD officer Thomas Andreas to the Central Area Community Police Advisory Board on May 25 at the Central Station. Four South Park residents were in attendance.
The program is in its infancy as LAPD is in the process of working with vendors to determine which equipment will work best for Downtown LA due to its density and high-rise buildings according to Officer Andreas. LAPD has consulted with NYPD about its experiences with a drone program since it has had a high success rate in investigating crime and other incidents.
One of the reasons for success, Officer Andreas said, was that a drone can respond to a 911 call in about 90 seconds as opposed to a police cruiser which averages about five-plus minutes. Police said that faster response will enable the drone operator to assess the situation and determine what follow-up resources might be needed or even to track a suspect. In addition to the quick time, the drone can capture the scene to aid in officer and citizen safety as well as document the scene for follow-up investigations and court cases.
The drones/drone operators have strict protocols to adhere to the rights guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution – unreasonable government searches and seizures. Officer Andreas said the drones only record once at the scene. LAPD is working on a drone policy which will be shared with the public.
LAPD said it anticipates that in many incidents after the drone makes the initial surveillance, ground units and helicopters will take over the situation.
Video recording will be available. Other options such as spotlights and loudspeakers for the drone will be evaluated, keeping in mind that the drones operate on batteries and the more attachments (the heavier the drone), the shorter the flight time of the drone. Police cruisers can be equipped with backup batteries to change out the drone on the fly.
LAPD said they hope to have the drone program operational by the end of the year. Officers must pass and obtain FAA licensing to pilot a drone. It was noted the LAFD also uses drones to assess on-going fires for hot spots or dangerous areas for firefighters.
By Debra Shrout