CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers are looking at new technology to help better their responses.
It’s a program called Drones as First Responders. The idea is a drone would be the first on the scene to gather information for officers, so once they arrive, they’re prepared to respond.
“This information can help officers de-escalate situations faster and lead to safer outcomes for everybody involved,” said Maj. Ryan Kendall.
CMPD leaders are considering using the Drones as First Responders program to reduce times, improve responses and keep the community and law enforcement safe.
“Drones can send visual information to our real-time crime center and allow them to communicate directly with our operations, command staff and our communicators,” said Kendall. “This means the first officer to arrive will have a much clearer picture of the situation before any interaction occurs.”
Agencies across the country have it. One of them is not far from Charlotte. The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office has been using the technology for years, almost daily. A spokesperson said it’s been incredibly successful, and the agency has even expanded the program.
Chief Johnny Jennings said he’ll be looking at other departments already using the technology to lead the way.
“We are adamant that you have to have technology to help us with the response to be more efficient and effective as an agency,” he said. “You also have to be very responsible with that.”
Chief Jennings recognized people may have security concerns about unmanned aircrafts, but said policies will be put into place to protect privacy.
“They’re simply going to that call for service and responding to that call for service no different than if you’re driving a police car going there,” he said.
As of now, the program is under consideration. It’s unclear when CMPD could implement it.
