About 30 miles north-northwest of Boston, MA, is the city of Methuen. Covering about 23 square miles with a population of around 50,000, the community was first settled in 1642 and officially incorporated in 1726. Serving and protecting the residents of Methuen are the 98 sworn police officers and 16 civilian employees of the Methuen Police Department (MPD). In 2020, the MPD was faced with controversy when its Chief of Police, John Solomon, was accused of misconduct for inappropriately hiring political and business associates and misappropriating funds, particularly for his own benefit. Solomon was placed on leave and officially retired at the end of 2020.

In October 2021, Officer Scott J. McNamara was elected as the new Chief of Police. Working with both the community and government officials, Chief McNamara quickly developed plans for transparency to assure the public that the police department would operate within the law on all levels. After a year in his position, Chief McNamara expressed a sense of “awe and appreciation for the resolve demonstrated by this talented group of professionals.”

One of the ways Chief McNamara has provided transparency is through social media and public engagements, where police procedures and activities are shared. The MPD now holds an annual Open House, where community members can meet officers, explore police vehicles, and observe a K9 demonstration. One of the highlights of the Open House has been the opportunity for people to get up close and learn about the department’s drone program. The drone portion of the Open House has become so popular that Chief McNamara arranged for the Drone Unit to perform an additional drone demonstration at the Methuen Senior Center, ensuring that all citizens have a chance to appreciate the importance of drone technology.

The MPD’s Drone Unit was established in 2017 under ex-Chief Solomon and has continued to expand under Chief McNamara’s leadership. After training officers and applying for grants, the department was able to purchase its first drone, a DJI MATRICE M200 V2, in 2018, which cost approximately $10,000. The 13.5 lb drone, equipped with advanced avoidance systems and a downward-facing First Person View (FPV) camera, has a maximum flight time of 38 minutes. Chief McNamara said that this drone is mainly used for monitoring large outdoor events like parades, graduations, and Fourth of July celebrations.

Today, the MPD Drone Unit has seven Part 107 licensed officers and two additional drones. In 2022, the department acquired a DJI MAVIC 3T for around $8,000. This 2.3 lb drone, with a maximum flight time of 45 minutes in calm weather, is far more technologically advanced, according to Chief McNamara. It has wide, telephoto, and thermal camera capabilities, enabling police officers to use it for search and rescue, detailed surveillance, evidence collection, and more. The MPD’s third drone is a smaller model purchased for around $1,000, primarily used for training exercises.

On December 11, 2024, the MPD informed the community that drones would be in use for an active investigation, requesting people to “Please avoid the area of Huntington Street for the next several hours,” as posted on their social media sites. Officers received a call about a domestic dispute at a home on the street. Upon arrival, they found the door barricaded. The department quickly announced, “There will be an increased police presence, in addition to units from the Northeast Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC). Please allow the officers to work unimpeded by civilian traffic. In addition, drone units will be in the sky until the situation is resolved.”

After nearly a three-hour standoff, the suspect surrendered. The drones, which were swapped out periodically to recharge, remained in the air, securing a safe perimeter until the location was cleared. “Since the inception of the Drone Unit in 2017, its effectiveness has been proven through a steady increase in demand each year,” Chief McNamara said. “Officers have become more familiar with the advantages of drone technology, leading to more frequent requests for their use in the field.

Whenever officers encounter a situation where drones could be helpful, they radio the officer in charge to request immediate deployment.” Under Chief McNamara’s leadership, the MPD has fostered a stronger connection with the community through transparency, engagement, and the effective use of advanced tools like drones. As the department moves forward, the integration of drone technology will undoubtedly play an even more vital role in enhancing both operational efficiency and the safety of residents.

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