Utilising drones in crime-fighting efforts
The technology of drones has advanced in just a few short years, making them more readily accessible and available to the average citizen. In developed countries, drones provide police and other law- enforcement departments with superior awareness and enhanced operational responses. Drones have faster deployability and reach. As a result, law- enforcers around the world are taking advantage of this by ensuring they’re used throughout policing operations.
The NBC show, On the Street, has shown audiences that officers face unpredictable situations on a daily basis, even tougher on the days that drones are not utilised. In one particular episode, thieves disappeared into the night without a hint of where they ran to; a situation which would be made easier when night-versioned drones are deployed. Drone technology is an instrumental tool for police departments. They are the eyes in the sky for officers operating on the ground, giving them a much larger aerial views than they access normally.
Police drones can be utilised in the different areas of operations: in the location of suspects, traffic scene investigations, the detection of illegal operations related to the public, surveillance of public events, and securing sensitive areas. When officers observe from above, the drones limit the risk of exposure of police officers and save lives.
According to a guide from policeone.com, a survey concluded that more than 200 police officers in the USA found that departments are using drones for the following: 83% of the respondents said drones were used for search and rescue; about 79% said drones were used for disaster management; about 76% said drones were used for SWAT operations; while 71% said drones were used for monitoring crime and traffic.
The City Police, Namibian Police Force and the Namibian government should actively be looking into the deploying of drones, and training officers on how to best operate them concerning every possible scenario. Government should consider funding from various organisations or governments with interests and expertise in using this technology. Drones are cost-effective and efficient in their deployment, meaning they can cover a much larger area faster, and they have reduced risk or harm. Because drones are remotely-operated, they allow officers to conduct searches and assess situations up close.