Lowell Police Detective Rob RichardPhoto: Courtesy Lowell Police Department
LOWELL, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Lowell Police Department has added a Drone Unit to help with searches and investigations.
The drones will be used to assist detectives in missing person searches, criminal investigations, and emergency responses. Lowell Police Department said while the technology is advanced, the drones will follow the same rules and regulations that police follow when conducting searches in person.
"It is equipped with a camera that has a 100 times zoom, as well as infrared viewing capabilities which will enable police to search for heat sources even at night and in low-visibility conditions," Lowell Police said.
Read More: Dighton Educator Receives Milken Award For Exemplary Work In The Classroom
The Drone Unit consists of two FAA-licensed remote pilots that will be operated by two of the department's detectives. Detective Rob Richard and Detective Ed Davis completed the training to operate the drones around Lowell.
"We can't use the drone to see anything that an officer could not legally see with their own eyes," Deputy Superintendent Mark LeBlanc said in a statement. "Part of creating this unit was updating our policies and procedures to ensure we have a sound and legal foundation for drone operations."
The drones will also be used to map crime scenes, accident scenes, and to fly overhead during community events such as the Lowell Folk Festival.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App