The Stowe Township Police Department is interested in purchasing a drone.
Officer Nico DiMichele recommended the purchase during an Aug. 7 workshop meeting because of the technology’s versatility in use for search and rescue efforts, armed standoffs and crowd surveillance, among other things.
DiMichele pointed out that Robinson Township Police have several drones and licensed operators for the tools, which came in handy during a recent missing person search when a Kennedy resident went missing.
“Robinson came down with the drone and found her in three and a half minutes,” DiMichele said.
DiMichele said at the meeting they were looking into purchasing a “middle-class” drone.
Most professional drones start at $3,000, according to drone manufacturer JOUAV.
A price was not discussed at the meeting, as the discussion was in the very early stages.
Assistant Chief Charles Wilker said the department hoped to research grants in order to pay for the technology and training.
DiMichele said after the meeting he thought the new drone technology might help with police outreach.
“We’ve been trying to be part of the community,” DiMichele said.
Story compiled by Elizabeth Perry.