Drones
Coverage of ways unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are changing how state and local government collects data on physical infrastructure, maps jurisdictions via GIS and monitors public safety from the sky. Also includes stories about efforts by private-sector companies and education institutions to improve how drones can better help government deliver services.
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Purchased over the summer, the three devices arrived recently, and three department officials are training to fly them. The unmanned aerial vehicles will likely be used at fires, during floods and to inspect hazardous buildings. They could gather intelligence during large fires. -
A Government Technology data analysis of the Chula Vista, Calif., police department’s six-year groundbreaking drone-as-first-responder program reveals impacts on response times, officer safety and citizen privacy.
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Hands-on learning experiences with technology, such as robotics kits, 3D printers and programmable drones, could become increasingly important for students as future jobs require collaboration with emerging technologies.
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The Drone as First Responder program, piloted earlier this year, is now operational in five command areas of the New York City Police Department. The devices are intended to assist police in responding to shots-fired calls, robberies and other crimes.
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The company will field test its fully autonomous drone delivery service in the city, which it has designated an “innovation hub.” City Council members have approved new zoning laws, affording some control over drone activity.
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In an initiative piloted last year and made permanent in June, the New York Police Department uses drones after school to track four aboveground subway lines and alert officers if a person is spotted. Six people have died this year trying to ride on the outside of trains.
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The public safety tech firm, which sells license plate readers and other tools, has bought Aerodome, which specializes in making drones useful for law enforcement. Flock Safety has big drone plans for the upcoming year.
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In addition to teaching students and professionals about the drone industry, Sinclair Community College in Ohio does consulting and research for equipment manufacturers in France, Switzerland, the UK and elsewhere.
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The city’s Chamber of Commerce will host the session this week, examining using the unmanned aircraft to deliver medical supplies and vital health-care services. The endeavor will include partners in health-care and education.
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Starting this fall season, Washington will use drone technology to monitor the local seal and sea lion populations, the state's Department of Fish and Wildlife announced last month.
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The Central New York region has become unmatched compared to other areas in the country when it comes to drone technology and integration, local officials say.
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At Lakeside High School in Ashtabula, Ohio, students in a new drone class were able to earn official drone operator certificates. Faculty hope the class will prepare them for a variety of career opportunities.
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Drones could someday deliver life-saving medical supplies to injured persons across Cambria County, Pa., and potentially even transport them to hospitals if need be.
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The brainchild of Jose Rolon, a citywide interagency coordinator for the Office of Emergency Management, the demo showed how drones could be used in two scenarios in the event of a coastal storm.
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The civil rights advocacy organization sent a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom urging his signature on a bill that would ban law enforcement from deploying killer drones against the public.
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Law enforcement agencies nationwide are losing officers faster than they can recruit them. Automated license plate readers and using drones as first responders are just two solutions that can act as "force multipliers."
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Ten Eleven Ventures, a cybersecurity-focused investment firm, led the funding round that's to help Darkhive increase its offerings, support Defense Department contracts and seek new business.
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The Drones as First Responder program would expand on this use by providing a cost-efficient way for the agency to get support in the sky and respond to 911 calls quicker as the county continues to grow.
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The Portland City Council voted to expand a police drone program, enabling its use for all precincts and divisions despite pushback from some community members over surveillance concerns.
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Crime continues to drop this year in unincorporated Jefferson Parish, part of the greater New Orleans area. The sheriff’s office already fields roughly 30 drones, but is considering adding first responder drones.
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Drone as First Responder programs have been adopted across the country, and in them, police place drones across their coverage areas and send them to determine if a ground response is needed.
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