In Miami Township, Ohio, police are utilizing drones to enhance community safety and support officers. Chief Mike Mills stated that the department has only been using drones for about six months, but they have already elevated their capabilities significantly. Mills emphasized that drones have been a game-changer in law enforcement, providing quick movement and enhanced search capabilities.
Drones allow the police department to search large areas rapidly. According to one officer, drones can cover an area that would require 20 officers in just a matter of minutes. Mills expressed confidence that if a child goes missing, the drones could help locate them swiftly. The drones have been instrumental in searching for missing individuals and locating armed and dangerous suspects, with approximately 12 to 14 successful operations.
Mills highlighted how drones have improved officer safety by allowing them to conduct reconnaissance without putting officers in harm’s way. By flying drones overhead, officers can assess a situation from a safer distance, providing valuable information before approaching risky areas. Matt Evans, a drone pilot for Miami Township, described how drones equipped with thermal imaging technology can locate individuals in darkness, enhancing search and rescue operations.
Evans praised the capabilities of the drones and speculated on the future of technology in law enforcement. With continuously evolving technology, he wondered how advancements like drones would further revolutionize the field of law enforcement in the next 20 years. The use of drones in Miami Township has proven successful in enhancing safety, search operations, and overall law enforcement capabilities.