Gloucester Sheriff Darrell Warren is adding drones to his chest of law enforcement tools.
The use of drones can help the agency to save manpower and money in many situations, according to GSO Sgt. Brad Simmons, who is overseeing the drone program.
Simmons said the GSO is currently awaiting a certificate of authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration, which is required before public agencies may use a drone. He said there is a lengthy application to fill out for the certificate, and then the application has been completed and submitted.
The drone collapses into a small unit that can quickly be slipped into a backpack along with its controller. The drone can be taken to a site and deployed in 15 minutes or less.A GSO drone is shown with an attached speaker on top. The drone also has a search light, a beacon and infrared capability.
Once the agency’s certificate is in hand, the drone program will be fully operational. At least three officers—Lt. Scott Little, Lt. J...
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