SHREVEPORT, La. -- The Shreveport Police Department is evaluating drone response systems that officials say could improve officer safety, provide faster situational awareness and help investigators gather critical information during emergency calls.
City leaders, including the mayor and police administration, recently received a firsthand demonstration of one company's technology, which police believe could play an increasing role in law enforcement as agencies across the country continue to face staffing shortages.
"You know, Chief (Wayne) Smith has been committed to bringing as much technology as we can to our department," said Cpl. Chris Bordelon, the department's public information officer. "As we've seen a hiring shortage, we have not had the applicants that we've had in years past. So one of the ways we're trying to bridge that gap is to bring more technology."
The department has been meeting with drone vendors to evaluate systems that can be dispatched to calls for service. During incidents such as shootings, domestic violence calls, traffic crashes and shoplifting reports, drones can quickly provide aerial views to responding officers.
According to Bordelon, the live video feed can help officers assess the scene before arriving, improve safety, collect evidence and, when necessary, assist in tracking suspects.
"So, for example, if a call goes out at a particular location, whether that be a shoplifting or a traffic accident or something like that, a drone can actually get to that location in a matter of seconds and provide instant feedback to the officer that's responding," Bordelon said.
The technology comes with a significant cost. Equipment contracts are expected to cost about $100,000 annually, and the systems must be operated by FAA-licensed personnel.
Bordelon said the drones would be subject to the same airspace restrictions as privately operated drones, including altitude limits designed to keep them clear of aircraft flight paths.
The current demonstrations are designed to showcase the technology's capabilities and provide city leaders with information as they consider whether to move forward with the program.
"Let's show him the capabilities. And he was very impressed," Bordelon said of Mayor Tom Arceneaux. "He did feel that this type of technology is the future of police work. What we're seeing right now is that just in the little bit that we've had it here in our city, it was able to provide us with some critical information to work some of the cases that came through that the drone was dispatched to."
While the technology is still in the early stages of adoption, Bordelon said the department hopes Shreveport can be among the first agencies to implement a drone response program if it proves to be effective.
"It could be something that can be life-saving for individuals in the future," he said.
Testing of the drone system will continue for several more days. Officials also plan to ensure any system the department selects is compatible with the technology already in use by the Shreveport Police Department.