Juno Beach PD to acquire a Drone
At its January 2020 meeting, the Juno Beach Police Foundation approved a $35,000 grant to the Town of Juno Beach for the purchase of a DJI Matrice 210-V2 Drone, along with all the necessary support equipment, for use by the Juno Beach Police Department.
Chief Brian Smith made the request of the Foundation to address several issues that the drone will be used for:
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Search and Rescue for missing persons and persons, including children, with special needs
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Location of suspects in the commission of a crime or suspected criminals or illegal immigrants attempting escape
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Monitoring large events for the safety of the attendees
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Assisting other law-enforcement agencies with mutual aid upon request
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Other law-enforcement related uses as required
The grant includes the aircraft and all of its gear, a Zenmuse Z30x optical zoom camera, XT2 FLIR thermal imaging camera, Parazero parachute and a Blue Vigil Tether System allowing for unlimited flight time.
Pilot training for officers who will fly the drone, required by the FAA, has already begun and Chief Smith anticipates delivery of the hardware in mid-February.
In his presentation to the Board Chief Smith said that “… the drone will further enhance safety and quality of life for the Juno Beach community.“