Eden Prairie police use drones for searches and officer safety

When people think of drones, they probably envision a U.S. military device hovering over a militant hideout, poised to launch missiles, or a CIA tool monitoring adversaries in a remote location.

They probably don’t put a local spin on it.

Many might not associate drones with their local police department. However, the Eden Prairie Police Department not only uses drones but also owns six.

“We have had drones for over three years,” said Sgt. Tom Lowrey from the department. “We have five officers and a volunteer who are licensed to operate them.”

Licensing comes by way of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Lowrey said the drones weigh between one and 12 pounds and are, on average, about 30 inches square. Typically stored in the department’s squad cars, these drones are employed in a broad range of situations.

“They are great for helping us find a person we are having trouble locating,” Lowrey said.

This can range from a missing person, such as a child, to someone who is a suspect in a crime and may be “on the run” from the law.

“Earlier this year, we located an adult woman using one of our drones,” he added. “She has mental health issues and was out on a night in which the temperatures were below freezing.”

The drones, equipped with thermal imaging capabilities, enable easier detection of individuals or objects in poor lighting or dense surroundings. These devices can enter buildings and offer two-way communication along with three-dimensional capabilities. Another application is on burning or recently extinguished fires, such as identifying hot spots.

“The data they collect helps in assessing damages,” Lowrey added.

In certain law enforcement situations, a search warrant is required by law before the drones can be put into action.

Eden Prairie police assist other departments, including fire and parks and recreation, and also provide mutual aid to nearby municipalities that don’t have their own drones.

Perhaps the most valued benefit for any law enforcement agency is that a drone can assume the risk of locating a dangerous individual who might pose a threat to an officer’s life or limb.