Today, digital transformation is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in policing and this includes transforming how police forces collect, analyze and share evidence. One digital evidence management trailblazer is North Wales Police. Using NICE Investigate, North Wales Police was able to digitally transform work processes around evidence collection and sharing, to help minimize risk of contact during the recent pandemic, while still continuing to provide the utmost service to the community and justice partners.

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Integrating drones into law enforcement operations requires a strategic approach to ensure their effective use. Some critical steps for successful integration include developing clear policies and procedures on when to deploy the drones, defining operational protocols, and establishing data management programs.

During her 18-year tenure in law enforcement, Toni was a certified Emergency Number Professional (ENP), earned a Law Enforcement Inspections and Auditing Certification, was certified as a Spillman Application Administrator (database and systems management for computer-aided dispatch and records management), and a certified communications training officer.

Colorado agencies: Recently, it was reported that several law enforcement agencies in Colorado were planning to institute a DFR program.

Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are rapidly becoming integral tools for police departments across the globe. In recent years, using drones in law enforcement has emerged as a transformative technology, offering significant benefits in response times, situational awareness, and overall public safety.

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Public education about the DFR program is also needed, including the benefits of drone use to help build trust. The drone program should also share its deployment practices with neighboring agencies and other public safety entities they work with on scenes where a drone may be deployed.

There are some examples of law enforcement agencies that have implemented successful drone programs, demonstrating the potential of drones as first responders.

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With proper policies, training, and public education, drones can become indispensable first responder tools in the quest for safer communities. As technology continues to evolve, the potential for drones in law enforcement will only expand, promising even greater drone success stories in the future.

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Toni Rogers is a freelance writer and former manager of police support services, including communications, records, property and evidence, database and systems management, and building technology. She has a master’s degree in Criminal Justice with certification in Law Enforcement Administration and a master's degree in Digital Audience Strategies.

Drone pilots need training and certification to operate drones within federal guidelines. Consideration should be given to where the drone(s) will be placed as their ‘home base’ as they will need to relaunch from that point for future responses. The security of the program’s drone feed, communications, and base station locations also needs to be addressed.

Law enforcement drones typically include high-resolution cameras to document the scene. Some drones also have infrared sensors for thermal imaging at night and in other low-light situations. Many UAVs used in public safety have communications components that allow the pilot to communicate with someone on the ground through a speaker and microphone. Some drones can also deliver supplies, such as AEDs, medication, and other life-saving materials.

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Fremont Police Department (California): Fremont’s DFR program is a joint UAS program with the Fremont Fire Department. Drones responding as part of the DFR often arrive on the scene within two minutes, allowing the pilot to assess the situation and work with responding officers to create a tactical plan when needed.

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These items must be shared with the community and those working in the drone program. The Fremont Police Department in California's Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations policy is online, which is helpful to the community.

Chula Vista Police Department (California): The Chula Vista PD has pioneered using drones as first responders. Their Drone as First Responder (DFR) program involves deploying drones to the scene of an incident before ground units arrive. This allows officers to assess situations in real-time, improving response times and enhancing officer safety. The program has been credited with numerous successful interventions, including locating missing persons and apprehending suspects, as detailed in this video example.

Drones, or UAVs, are equipped with advanced technology that enables them to perform various tasks autonomously or via remote control. The drone pilot remotely controls the UAV using the video feed and controller. Drone pilots require training and certification to fly UAVs, as well as the necessary law enforcement training to know when and how to use drones when responding to an in-progress call.

Using drones in law enforcement raises significant privacy concerns that must be addressed to maintain public trust. Addressing the issues of public concern allows command staff to determine operational and technical best practices as well.

The Drones as First Responders (DRF) program uses drones piloted remotely to arrive on the scene first, providing an eye in the sky to share updated information. Drones can also provide overwatch, protecting officers on the ground with a wider view of the scene, search assistance, and document scenes through aerial view.

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Drones as first responders represent a significant advancement in law enforcement technology. However, integrating this technology must be carefully managed to address privacy concerns and ensure the ethical use of drones in law enforcement.

Data overload, budget uncertainties, increased public expectations, lack of transparency, a pressure to close more cases and disclose evidence faster, a need to do more with less. To address these problems, police departments and partnering criminal justice agencies around the world are turning to digital transformation. The results are impressive – more timely evidence disclosure and case closure, improved end-to-end collaboration for swifter justice, restored transparency and public trust, and up to a ten-fold productivity savings. View this on-demand webinar to hear success stories and to learn what digital transformation can do for you.

IDC, a global provider of market intelligence, has named NICE a Leader in its “IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Digital Evidence Management Solutions for Law Enforcement 2023 Vendor Assessment.” Download a complimentary copy of the IDC MarketScape Digital Evidence Management Solutions report excerpt to learn more.