Drone To Protect LA Deputies and the People They Serve

The LA County Sheriff department led by Jim McDonnell has announced that they will be utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to support their deputies, specifically when investigating hazards including arson scenes, hostage situations and bomb disposal. The drone can also support search and rescue campaigns.

Captain Jack Ewell of the department’s special operations bureau explained that eight deputies had been trained to fly the specially modified drone.  The fleet being deployed are a customized version of DJI’s Matrice 100.

The stock Matrice 100 platform has all of DJI’s easy-to-fly technology built in and includes the flight controller, propulsion system, GPS, DJI Lightbridge, a dedicated remote controller and a rechargeable battery. The lightweight frame and efficient motors give up to 40 minutes of flight time depending on load and weight. An additional battery can be added. It is also possible to further modify and tailor the flight platform by using the DJI SDK allowing customized commands to be programmed.

The LA County Sheriff department has attached a DJI Zenmuse X3 camera to their aircraft. The X3 gives crystal clear images and the gimbal holding the camera is the result of DJI’s years of expertise in camera stabilization giving smooth, stable footage in any flight conditions. The rectilinear, curved lens design eliminates distortion and the 20mm focal length opens up shots to a wide angle. The drone can also remain in the air for 20 minutes and fly up to a mile away.

The fleet will give the department rich information from an aerial perspective that has not been achievable before at a reasonable price point.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) who govern the skies in the USA  has issued special certificates to 300 law enforcement agencies to use similar UAVs – 30 such certificates have been issued in California alone.

Captain Andy Neiman from the LAPD cites the 2015 terrorist incident in San Bernardino as an event in which drones could have been helpful. After a gun battle with the suspects, law enforcement put their lives at risk by having to approach a car to see if the occupants comprised a threat. This early inspection could have been conducted by a drone.

“The dangers of law enforcement can never be eliminated,” McDonnell concluded, “however, this technology can assist us in reducing the impact of risks on personnel.”

The DJI Matrice 100 is an ideal platform for customization and as such has been employed by a variety of different industries for diverse applications. Law enforcement has embraced this new technology to enhance safety for both their deputies and the people they serve.

 

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