LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Las Vegas Metro Police are using cutting-edge technology to keep communities safer with the recent launch of Sky Ports that can remotely deploy drones to emergency scenes in seconds.
The department’s drone unit recently helped find a missing 8-year-old in a backyard using thermal imaging in just one hour, demonstrating how the technology is already saving lives.
FOX5 Investigates rode along with Metro’s mobile drone unit to see the technology in action. The drones can be used for any call requiring speed and urgency, providing officers with eyes in the sky before they arrive on scene.
Real-time intelligence for officers
During the ride-along with Officer Jordan Pelley from Metro’s drone unit, a call came in about someone throwing rocks at passing vehicles.
“Right now, Victoria, we are just looking on the road. I don’t see anyone matching the description. We are looking for a white male wearing a black hoodie,” Pelley said while operating the drone. “It looks like school just got out. That’s Clark High School, so that’s a safety concern.”
While the suspect wasn’t found, Pelley said the drones do more than search — they capture every inch of a crime scene.
Technology proven during 1 October shooting
Metro has used drones for several years, with their first successful mission during the Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting that took the lives of 60 people.
“I think that was the catalyst for everyone in the department to know drones were not just toys,” Pelley said. “For 1 October, you can use that to pinpoint where specific pieces of evidence are.”
Remote deployment system
The remote drones are operated from the Fusion Center, where dispatchers pick the closest drone from 13 Sky Ports across the valley.
“A call would come out. We would select the call, click respond here, pick the closest drone,” Pelley said. “It will orient itself toward the call and then start responding to the call.”
The drones deploy in seconds but can only fly two miles from their dock. Mobile units like Officer Pelley’s take over when needed.
“Officers would arrive, and they would be confronted with whatever was there. Now that a drone is there, they can get real-time info about what’s happening, and they can better prepare,” Pelley said.
The technology is part of Sheriff Kevin McMahill’s vision for the department.
“This is going to give the ability to deploy police drones faster and further than ever,” McMahill said in a recent press conference.
The department expects to conduct 1,700 drone missions per month with the new Sky Port centers.
Have a story or tip for Victoria? She can be reached at [email protected]
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