Los Angeles, Nick Ni
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is taking full advantage of leading technology to gain a two-fold benefit: Obtain a more informative vantage point, and increase safety for sworn personnel and civilians during certain tactical response operations.
In a press conference, January 12, Sheriff Jim McDonnell announced recent approval from FAA authorities for the use of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) in specifically defined incidents which include: Search and rescue, explosive ordnance detection, hazardous materials incidents, disaster response, arson fires, hostage rescue, and barricaded, armed suspects.
The vertically-mobile, remotely-controlled, flying tool with an on-board video camera is assigned to the Special Enforcement Bureau, where it will be the most beneficial to units under its umbrella, including the Emergency Services Detail, Special Enforcement Detail, Arson/Explosives Detail, and the HazMat Detail.
“The dangers of law enforcement can never be eliminated,” said Sheriff McDonnell. “However, this technology can assist us in reducing the impact of risks on personnel and allow us to perform operations to enhance public safety.”
“We are continuing to raise the bar as a leader in law enforcement and always looking for ways to do the job better,” he said.
