THOMASVILLE, Ga. (WTXL) — The police department in Thomasville will soon be getting a drone a piece of equipment, officers say, will make a big difference in their response during future investigations.
The city council unanimously approved funding for it, tonight.
Chief Tony Rich says this drone will be used for basically all their future investigations and it especially would have come in handy for a 2018 case where police were searching a heavily wooded area for a suspect.
Chief Rich says these are the exact scenarios where you need eyes in the sky.
That's why the Thomasville city council approved $24,000 for the equipment.
From search and rescue missions, to looking for evidence, to undercover surveillance this drone will close a gap in police response time.
From search and rescue missions, to looking for evidence, to undercover surveillance this drone will close a gap in police response time.
"We didn't have immediate access to get a view from above and we would request air support. There's a lot of capabilities that the drone has that you can deploy within minutes rather than waiting hours for additional resources," said Chief Tony Rich.
Chief Rich says the department currently relies on air support from nearby agencies.
He adds the drone will have thermal imagery for searching in wooded areas and overall help them make strides in investigations.
Chief Rich says now that the department has the council's approval, they will have their hands on a fully equipped drone in less than 3 months.
And only certified officers will be allowed to fly it.
