SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — The Sioux Falls Police Department is creating its first unmanned drone team.
There will be all sorts of uses for the Unmanned Aircraft System says team leader, Sgt. Kevin Henkel – for example, in fatal crash investigations.
“Lot of the times when we have a fatal crash we’ll close the street down for four or more hours. The UAS will allow us to map those in a much quicker time period.”
The drones will also be used for event or protest security, during disaster emergencies, and search and rescue.
Henkel says a grant is helping pay for the program.
“The grant amount was around $60,000. And that includes training and other equipment, not just the aircraft.” Two DJI Matrice 210 V2 drones are being purchased. They have four propellers to zoom up and down and all around.
Sioux Falls Fire/Rescue and the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office will be able to request use of the drone team.
The Sioux Falls Police Department received a grant from the Department of Homeland Security to help fund the purchase of two DJI Matrice 210 V2 UAS. The purchased aircraft will be used in a joint effort between the Sioux Falls Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, and Sioux Falls Fire/Rescue to enhance public safety.