When the Chula Vista Police Department in Southern California became the first law enforcement agency in the United States granted permission by the Federal Aviation Administration for a pilot drone program, they changed how law enforcement agencies utilize modern technology. Law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve, quickly recognized that drones were beneficial rather than scary “Big Brother” in the sky spy tools. Since then, hundreds of police, fire, and emergency departments throughout the country have begun using drones. Communities with smaller budgets get support from neighboring departments who are all eager to share their drones.

In emergencies, drones give responders a bird’s eye view for total situational awareness. Drones have been used successfully to locate missing people of all ages in record time. They have been key in helping police officers assess and plan in dangerous situations. Drones have helped collect evidence, monitor traffic, pursue suspects, and keep crowds safe. Through total transparency, drones have even helped law enforcement agencies to open up trusting relationships between those that use them and the communities that depend on them.

About a year ago, the Harrison County Fire Department (HCFD) in Mississippi purchased two new drones to assist in day to day operations. The HCFD is an all-hazards combination rescue department that serves the 2nd largest county in Mississippi. Operating along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the department’s 65 full time and 50 plus volunteers respond to emergencies covering an area greater than 470sq miles for more than 65,000 residents. Because river life is central to Harrison County, HCFD became one of the first to adopt a novel drone program using underwater rather than aerial drones.

“These are just like a drone you fly in the air,” explained Harrison County Fire Chief Pat Sullivan. “These are made to go underwater. They have cameras on them. The reason that we have these is primarily for search and rescue. If it’s a rescue, then absolutely, we can run it out, grab somebody or bring it back in.” The submersible drones that HCFD uses remain tethered, a benefit that means these drones are not limited by short battery life. The drones have a grasping claw that can retrieve items in the water. The drones also have bright lights that make using them ideal in the muddy, murky waterways.

While the drones are similar in the sensors, cameras, and capabilities, they are of 2 different sizes. The larger drone can travel up to 12knots and has a range of over 1,000ft. The smaller drone is useful in shallows or areas cluttered with debris. HCFD has been using drones for search and rescue as well as to conduct inspection missions of underwater structures. Many of the waterways in which these missions take place are contaminated and unsafe for a diver. Using the drones allows HCFD to safely serve their entire district. “This is all about doing the job and not putting people at risk, but accomplishing the mission,” said Chief Sullivan. While most law and enforcement agencies rely on aerial drones, it won’t be long until other districts start following HCFD’s example and invest in alternative drones as well.