BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Police in Battle Creek are getting some help from a new form of technology that will help them respond to crime and stay-at-home violations during the coronavirus pandemic.
Three unmanned aerial drones were delivered to the Battle Creek Police Department, part of the federal government’s attempts to help law enforcement at a time when personnel resources are being stretched thin.
The devices are provided free to the department for 90 days and were manufactured by the Chinese firm DJI Enterprises for reconnaissance that could come in handy during policing efforts. Provided as part of the company’s U.S. Disaster Relief Program, after the three month period two of the drones will be returned back and a third will be permanently donated.
Police Lt. Matt Robinson told the Battle Creek Enquirer that the drones could be used to monitor large gatherings and broadcast messages to the public while maintaining social distance. Other routine tasks include surveying traffic crashes and locating missing residents.
Fitted with cameras, loud speakers, and remotely controlled, the technology is ideal for responding to non-urgent situations. Police departments across the country have made use of drones to fly over fleeing suspects, crime scenes, and natural disasters, but the COVID-19 pandemic has made them a new tool for reaching people while keeping separation.
43 police departments and agencies in the United States have been supplied the drones by DJI in recent weeks. Company officials say the devices were specifically designed by engineers for responding to disaster situations.
The Battle Creek Police Department was chosen to receive the three drone because it was already certified to use company’s technology, having purchased three of the unmanned vehicles in 2018.
Department leaders began looking into a developing a drone program due to the efficiency and safety of using the technology. Officials purchased two of the devices for $25,000 which included the training of five officers to man the drones.
