The Laurel County Sheriff's office purchased 2 drones at no cost to taxpayers. In addition, they have received certification from the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration, allowing them to conduct the following operations;
-search and rescue operations
-traffic accident/crime scene investigations
-track and locate suspects
-natural disaster response and recovery efforts
-enhance public or/officer safety.
-assess dangerous situations such as;
-active shooter
-hostage
-suspicious package/bomb
-rioting
The first drone's primary use will assist in crash and crime scene investigations in conjunction with station equipment. The second is equipped with FLIR thermal imaging infrared cameras to allow the assessment of more dangerous situations without placing human life in harm's way. Both drones come equipped with a loudspeaker to enable deputies to communicate with individuals or suspects on the ground.
Laurel County Sheriff John Root stated, "These pieces of equipment are vital to the Laurel County Sheriff's Office, allowing deputies to accurately, thoroughly, and safely investigate traffic crashes, work crime scenes, to provide the necessary information to document and assist in the prosecution of criminal cases and crashes investigated. The Laurel County Sheriff's Office is proud to continue to provide this level of professionalism to the citizens of Laurel County."
The Laurel County Sheriff's office has three licensed operators, including K-9/shift Sgt. Gary Mehler, Deputy Brad Mink, and Deputy Josh Morgan.
Billy Mosley, Lead Reporter for The Kentucky Daily