Norfolk, Madison County arranging drone program
A northeast Nebraska police department says it hopes to get its drone program 'off the ground' by the end of summer.
By News Channel NebraskaNORFOLK, Neb. -- A northeast Nebraska police department is getting a drone program.
The Norfolk Police Division made the announcement Wednesday that they have developed a partnership with the Madison County Sheriff's Office and Norfolk Fire for the future drone program.
In addition, NPD says it has purchased two small training drones that are being shared as they train pilots from all three agencies.
Norfolk Fire, and more recently Norfolk Police, have been using drone technology for several
years, according to Norfolk Police Chief Don Miller. This has only been possible due to a Norfolk Fire Reserve Firefighter who has his FAA credentials to fly drones, and used his equipment to assist the City of Norfolk, Miller said.
Due to time restrictions, the fire reserve cannot keep up with his own responsibilities and the
growing demand for drone flights, Miller said.
Authorities say the current identified uses for the new technology could be locating missing persons, finding suspects, identifying hot spots in fires and mapping out car accidents and crimes scenes.
Public safety drones cannot be used for private purposes, Miller noted. While drones are a valuable tool, NPD says it is committed to individuals' right to privacy.
The American Legion Auxiliary Unit #16 donated the funds to purchase the department's first
drone to use on missions.
NPD says it hopes to have the program "off the ground" by the end of the summer.