The northern Washington area has emerged as a national leader in deploying UAVs in response to emergency 911 calls. The Montgomery County Police Department plans to double its drone program.
With a focus on rapid response, this initiative utilizes drones to arrive at the scene before ground units intervene. Currently, the program has become one of the leading “first response” initiatives in the United States, featuring two UAVs equipped with cameras capable of tracking subjects and transmitting live video to ground officers.
To date, the program has conducted over 1,000 flights, allowing law enforcement to not only apprehend criminals but also quickly determine which calls do not require police intervention, optimizing patrol resources.
How the Drone Program Works
Officers at the county’s operations center monitor incoming 911 calls and decide when to deploy the drones. Within approximately 15 seconds, operators can launch the two UAVs, Raven 1 and Raven 2. These drones fly at altitudes of 300-400 feet and can reach speeds of 36 miles per hour, arriving at the scene in about a minute.
The UAVs are only allowed to operate within the visual range of the controllers and will be recalled once the situations have stabilized. They are deployed in instances such as chasing suspects or responding to suspicious circumstances.
Civil Liberties and Privacy Concerns
While the program offers numerous benefits for law enforcement, concerns about privacy remain. Officials have pledged that the drones will not be used as a general surveillance tool. The Montgomery County Police Department has implemented controls to minimize intrusions into residents’ privacy.
County Executive Marc Elrich emphasizes the importance of protecting privacy and has committed to holding public hearings on the program.
Cre: washingtonpost.com
