In Miami Township, the use of drones has proven to be a valuable tool in enhancing community safety and aiding law enforcement. With only being utilized for about six months, the department has already significantly improved their capabilities. According to Chief Mike Mills, the use of drones has been a game changer in law enforcement, providing quick movement and enhanced search abilities that were not possible before.
Drones allow for a quick search of a large area, covering ground that would otherwise require multiple officers in a matter of minutes. Mills mentioned that in the event of a missing child, they are confident that the child could be found rapidly. The drones have been instrumental in locating missing individuals and identifying armed and dangerous suspects. Mills noted that they have used drones successfully about 12 to 14 times, with each instance considered a success for various reasons.
The use of drones has also significantly improved officer safety. By deploying drones to investigate a situation before officers approach, law enforcement can assess the risk and make informed decisions. Matt Evans, a drone pilot for Miami Township, described the drones as user-friendly, equipped with thermal imaging capabilities that enable them to locate individuals in the dark. He emphasized the importance of this technology and expressed excitement about the future possibilities in law enforcement with advancing technology.