https://www.americancityandcounty.com/wp-content/themes/acc_child/assets/images/logo/footer-logo.png
  • Home
  • Co-op Solutions
  • Commentaries
  • News
  • In-Depth
  • Multimedia
    • Back
    • Podcast
  • Resources
    • Back
    • Resources
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
    • Events
    • How to Contribute
    • Municipal Cost Index – Archive
    • Equipment Watch Page
    • American City & County Awards
  • Magazine
    • Back
    • Digital Editions
    • Reprints & Reuse
    • Advertise
  • About Us
    • Back
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Statement
    • Terms of Service
American City and County
  • NEWSLETTER
  • Home
  • Co-op Solutions
  • Commentaries
  • News
  • In-Depth
  • Multimedia
    • Back
    • Podcasts
  • Resources
    • Back
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
    • Events
    • How to Contribute
    • American City & County Awards
    • Municipal Cost Index
    • Equipment Watch Page
  • Magazine
    • Back
    • Digital Editions
    • Reprints & Reuse
    • Subscribe to GovPro
    • Manage GovPro Subscription
    • Advertise
  • About Us
    • Back
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Cookie Policy
    • Privacy Stament
    • Terms of Service
  • newsletter
  • Administration
  • Economy & Finance
  • Procurement
  • Public Safety
  • Public Works & Utilities
  • Smart Cities & Technology
acc.com

Public Safety


Article

Georgia county police use drones to investigate serious traffic wrecks (with related video)

Georgia county police use drones to investigate serious traffic wrecks (with related video)

The Gwinnett County, Ga., police department has expanded its accident investigation technology with the addition of a drone. The device will also be used for other law enforcement tasks.
  • Written by mikekeat
  • 30th August 2016

The Gwinnett County, Ga., police department (GCPD) has expanded its accident investigation technology with the addition of a drone. Officers in the department rely on the small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to fly over accident and incident scenes and record pictures and video. The drone, says department staff, gives officers a more comprehensive view. The drone also reduces time needed for investigations.

Ultimately, motorists in Gwinnett County, which is about 30 miles from Atlanta, may see shorter backups and traffic snarls after vehicle wrecks. As the drone speeds up investigations, motorists may see fewer blocked roads and traffic delays. Two of the department’s officers are certified as drone operators. GCPD believes it is the first law enforcement agency in Georgia to seek drone approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

“We’re able to launch this thing,” Lt. Chris Smith of the GCPD told Atlanta’s Channel 2 Action News, “and within five minutes have pictures of the entire scene.” The department believes the drone will be deployed in the future for a number of applications besides traffic wrecks. Officers predict that the drone can be a valuable resource in searches for missing persons. Other potential applications include gathering valuable video and measuring damages at natural disasters. The device could also deliver reconnaissance video at prison breaks and at-large crime scenes.

The drone that the GCPD purchased is a DJI Inspire 1 Model T600. It is a quad copter rotorcraft that weighs approximately 6.4 pounds. The engine type is electric. It runs on a battery that can operate the drone for approximately 10 minutes.

For police departments around the U.S. that are considering acquiring a drone, the GCPD’s Lieutenant Christopher Smith advises that they do their homework. Smith tells GPN: “Other departments that are looking into a drone should do their research on what they will use the drone for and the many types of drones that are out there. The drone has limitations and may not be able to do what you want it to do.”

Smith says that it is crucial that departments develop a policy on the usage of the drone prior to implementing a drone program. He adds: “Coordination with the county/city law department is important to help guide them through any legal issues/concerns that may arise. The FAA may also require a Public Declaration letter.”

Police departments, says Lt. Smith, should learn about drone regulations and coordinate with an FAA representative. “Visit this site for information on small UAS/drone usage and contact info,” adds Smith.

Earlier this week, the FAA issued new comprehensive regulations for routine non-recreational use of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) – more popularly known as “drones.” The new Small UAS Rule (Part 107), includes pilot and operating rules.

The provisions of the new rule – formally known as Part 107 – are designed to minimize risks to other aircraft and people and property on the ground. A summary is available here. (PDF). Go here for general FAA information on UAS.

In the video, Gwinnett County emergency teams research drone use in fires and other emergency situations.

_____________

To get connected and stay up-to-date with similar content from American City & County:
Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter
Watch us on Youtube

Tags: Public Safety Smart Cities & Technology Article

Related


  • Florida county announces successful test of Motorola Solutions’ cloud-based P25 core technology
    A Florida county recently announced the completion of a successful test of Motorola Solutions’ CirrusCentral Core, the cloud-based secondary core for ASTRO 25 P25 systems that is designed to provide redundant reliability to the land-mobile-radio (LMR) network without the costs associated with a physical secondary core site. In Sumter County, Fla., the absence of a […]
  • D.C. police begin identifying Capitol rioters
    Washington, D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to identify the supporters of President Donald Trump who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. “MPD seeks assistance in identifying persons of interest responsible for Unlawful Entry offenses that occurred yesterday on US Capitol Grounds, 100 block of 1st […]
  • Person working on laptop computer
    Embracing digital within local government in 2021
    While COVID-19 has brought on a litany of challenges, it has also shown government leaders the need to employ the right digital solutions for their constituents
  • FirstNet Authority releases new details about impact of Nashville explosion on broadband system
    Public-safety subscribers to FirstNet responding to the Dec. 25 massive explosion near the AT&T network hub in Nashville experienced a four-hour outage when some services were not rerouted prior to deployable cell sites becoming operational at the scene, according to a FirstNet Authority blog. Released Friday evening, the FirstNet Authority blog reiterated several facts previously […]

Leave a comment Cancel reply

-or-

Log in with your American City and County account

Alternatively, post a comment by completing the form below:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Content

  • Governments must help consortia drive autonomous progress
  • 2021 is when AI in public safety gets real
  • Modernizing state and local IT to meet new demands and drive long-term financial efficiency
  • Despite budget squeeze, state and local governments must shore up cyber posture

White papers


How a unified HR system helps one public safety organization manage crews, payroll, and more in a single platform

7th January 2021

Your Roadmap to COVID-19 Funding

18th December 2020

The One Where Everyone Wins: A Mutually Beneficial Contracting Method

10th December 2020
view all

Events


PODCAST


Young Leaders Episode 4 – Cyril Jefferson – City Councilman, High Point, North Carolina

13th October 2020

Young Leaders Episode 3 – Shannon Hardin – City Council President, Columbus, Ohio

27th July 2020

Young Leaders Episode 2 – Christian Williams – Development Services Planner, Goodyear, Ariz.

1st July 2020
view all

Twitter


AmerCityCounty

The latest episode The Young Leaders Podcast focuses on Cyril Jefferson. Cyril is the youngest African American to… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

27th October 2020
AmerCityCounty

Hillsboro, Oregon is pioneering a new #renewableenergy generation technology through a partnership with… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

27th October 2020
AmerCityCounty

The impact of the #COVID19 pandemic on #telework was swift and profound. Now, the big question is whether – and to… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

26th October 2020
AmerCityCounty

Get ready for the can't-miss webinar on how to kickstart your efficiency improvement plan with Luke Anderson of… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

26th October 2020
AmerCityCounty

Among all states headed into the 2020 general election, which ones have voting populations that are the most demogr… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

26th October 2020
AmerCityCounty

We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts in our readership survey to help us shape future content so that we c… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

23rd October 2020
AmerCityCounty

See how cities different approaches to distribute masks in their communities >> spr.ly/6010GAPLa

23rd October 2020
AmerCityCounty

While #facialrecognition is a powerful tool that can improve law enforcement efficiency, that doesn’t necessarily t… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

23rd October 2020

Newsletters

Sign up for American City & County’s newsletters to receive regular news and information updates about local governments.

Resale Insights Dashboard

The Resale Insights Dashboard provides model-level data for the entire used equipment market to help you save time and money.

Municipal Cost Index

Updated monthly since 1978, our exclusive Municipal Cost Index shows the effects of inflation on the cost of providing municipal services

Media Kit and Advertising

Want to reach our digital audience? Learn more here.

DISCOVER MORE FROM INFORMA TECH

  • IWCE’s Urgent Communications
  • IWCE Expo

WORKING WITH US

  • About Us
  • Contact Us

FOLLOW American City and County ON SOCIAL

  • Privacy
  • CCPA: “Do Not Sell My Data”
  • Cookies Policy
  • Terms
Copyright © 2021 Informa PLC. Informa PLC is registered in England and Wales with company number 8860726 whose registered and Head office is 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.
This website uses cookies, including third party ones, to allow for analysis of how people use our website in order to improve your experience and our services. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. Click here for more information on our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.
X