New Hope Police Latest Agency To Purchase Drones
The city of New Hope will soon have a new tool for its policing toolbox. The city is moving forward to acquire drone cameras.
Police say they can be used to assist in searches for missing persons, as well as gather intelligence in standoff situations.
“It makes it safer for officers and safer for the public,” said New Hope City Council Member John Elder, who also serves as a captain for the Robbinsdale Police Department.
New Hope is one of the last police agencies in the CCX News viewing area to acquire them.
“I’ve been intentionally slow, a bit skeptical, watching it carefully,” said New Hope police Capt. Scott Slawson at this week’s city council meeting. “I think we’re all in agreement at the success they’ve proven to be both as a safety and efficiency tool to public safety.”
The Crystal Police Department demonstrated police drones for CCX News.
Slawson said his initial skepticism came from his background as a pilot and the issues that could arise of something flying in the air. But those concerns have diminished.
“I think we’re all convinced here,” said Slawson.
The city will initially get two drones for public safety use. Slawson said one of the drones will be small enough to enter buildings to check for hazards.
