Hackensack Police launch drone program
The program will be used to provide a range of support, including search and rescue (SAR)
New Jersey’s Hackensack Police Department has announced that it will launch a new drone program to provide a quicker response to service calls.
Roles will include assisting in search and rescue (SAR) efforts; documenting criminal incidents and tracking fleeing suspects; documenting accidents and providing support to medical responders; and capturing aerial photographs.
It is hoped that the initiative will improve security and expedite emergency responses while maintaining the privacy of citizens.
The drone program will strictly adhere to Federal Aviation Administration-approved (FAA) flight altitudes. Cameras will also only be angled downwards when surveying the scene of an incident.
“We are excited to introduce this new program in Hackensack, which highlights our commitment to utilizing the latest technology to enhance public safety,” said Hackensack Mayor John Labrosse. “This program will allow us to respond swiftly and effectively to various emergencies, while maintaining the privacy and security of our residents.”
The city of Portland, Oregon, also announced that it would launch a police drone program earlier this year.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca was a Junior Editor at the Voyageur Group. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.