In April, the Ridgefield Police Department (RPD) began using small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), also known as drones, to increase the safety and effectiveness of our police investigations, while ensuring residents privacy and security.

An unmanned aircraft system (UAS) is an aircraft without a human pilot onboard, instead the UAS is controlled from an operator on the ground. sUAS enable police departments to quickly find lost and missing people, de-escalate situations and utilize time, distance and shielding to reduce Use of Force encounters and optimize community and officer safety. These devices also provide a distinct viewpoint that can reveal information not easily gathered on the ground. sUAS are widely used in the public sector, as well as by nearly every law enforcement agency in the area.

A ‘birds-eye’ view is invaluable to locating lost and missing persons. In the daytime, the footage relayed from the sUAS can identify high priority areas for an on-foot approach and quickly clear terrain that is difficult to maneuver on land. At night, thermal imaging has the potential to locate a person that simply could not be seen with the naked eye.

“Aerial drones offer us a unique perspective, allowing for tactically safe assessments of potentially hazardous situations without putting our officers directly in harm's way,” said Cathy Doriot, Chief of Police. “This enhances safety not only for our officers but for community members. By strategically deploying drones, we are able to gather critical information more efficiently and effectively, ensuring that we stay several steps ahead in our commitment to protect and serve.”

All operators for this program will be licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration, undergo a minimum of 8 hours of flight training and adhere to all laws regarding UAS use. The sUAS will be used in a constitutionally and legally sound manner by trained and certified personnel, to conduct operations and investigations, such as search and rescue, not for general surveillance. 

The Ridgefield Police Department currently operates two sUAS devices. One, the DJI M30T, is designed for outdoor use and features a camera capable of thermal imaging, microphone and spotlight for commands and illumination, and the ability to take high quality pictures and videos. The second is designed for indoor use. The DJI Avata is a highly maneuverable sUAS, capable of fitting into tight spaces and equipped with a camera that can take high quality pictures and video.

For more information on the RPD Drone Program, including Ridgefield Police Department Policy 09.13 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems, visit the Drone Program webpage.

sUAS In Action

The value of the RPD Drone Program for public safety investigations has already been demonstrated within the first days of the program. 

On April 14, the first day the program was live, police were dispatched to a possible trespasser at a large warehouse property. The subject’s location was unknown and the property was very large. Responding officers deployed the DJI M30T sUAS to search for the subject from the air. They located the subject hiding in a large dumpster. The sUAS allowed officers to locate and observe the subject at a safe distance, prior to officers contacting him.

A search on foot would have taken much longer for officers to locate the subject hidden in a tall, large dumpster. The subject was cooperative and removed from the premise, and the sUAS was instrumental in conducted an efficient search and getting officers back onto patrol.

A still image from the April 14 incident showing the subject located in a tall dumpster.