The Wheat Ridge Police Department in Colorado is making headlines for their innovative use of drones in solving crimes. Since introducing drones to their department in April, they have been able to respond to different 911 calls almost daily, according to Alex Rose, the police department’s public information officer.
With a team of around 10 officers trained on how to use the drones, the department is constantly pushing the limits of what the technology can do. Sgt. John Bowman, the drone course director for Wheat Ridge police, highlighted the drones’ capabilities, including zoom features and GPS tracking systems.
One notable success story involved a drone catching someone breaking into an apartment. Instead of sending an officer, the department sent a drone inside the home after obtaining a warrant. The drone found a person and a dog sleeping in a closet, leading to an arrest.
In addition to investigating crimes, Wheat Ridge police use drones for monitoring large crowds at events like festivals and investigating car crashes. However, the use of drones by law enforcement raises concerns about privacy and regulations. Dr. Matthew Guariglia, a senior policy analyst at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, emphasized the importance of strict rules governing drone use by police.
Wheat Ridge police say they consult with their district attorney before flying drones and are one of at least 20 departments in Colorado using this technology. As they continue to explore the possibilities of drones in law enforcement, they remain vigilant about staying informed on regulations and best practices.
Kennedy Hayes, a multimedia reporter based in Denver, joined Fox News in 2023 and covered the story on Wheat Ridge Police’s innovative use of drones in crime-solving.
