Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drones are transforming surveillance in real time crime centers, writes Jason Tyre, Business Development Manager, Milestone Systems.

Drone technology

At a time when law enforcement agencies are continually challenged to do more with less, Real Time Crime Centers (RTCCs) are emerging as powerful force multipliers, leveraging innovative technologies to aid law enforcement and enhance public safety.

Among the most promising advances in this space is the integration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, into daily RTCC operations.

This strategic adoption of UAV technology transforms how agencies respond to incidents, manage large-scale events and conduct investigations.

Ever-evolving challenges

Today’s law enforcement agencies face a complex array of challenges.

Budget constraints, staffing shortages and increasing public scrutiny are pushing departments to seek innovative solutions that can enhance their operational capabilities without straining resources.

At the same time, the nature of crime and public safety threats is evolving rapidly, requiring more agile and data-driven approaches to policing.

RTCCs have emerged as a response to these challenges, serving as centralized hubs where technology and human expertise converge to provide critical, real-time intelligence to officers in the field.

By integrating various data sources, including video data, sensor networks and databases, RTCCs enable faster, more informed decision-making and resource allocation.

To gain deeper insights into this evolving landscape, I spoke with Jared Kosina, a seasoned RTCC expert and UAV pilot and trainer with the National Real Time Crime Center Association.

With many years of experience in law enforcement technology integration, Kosina offers valuable perspectives on the impact of UAVs in RTCC operations.

“RTCCs are game changers for law enforcement,” explained Kosina.

“They allow us to harness the power of data and technology to provide immediate, actionable intelligence to officers on the ground.

“This not only enhances officer and public safety but also significantly improves our ability to prevent and respond to crime.”

The role of UAVs in RTCC operations

RTCCs across North America are finding inventive ways to integrate UAVs into their operations.

Some agencies are pioneering the use of drones as rapid response units through Drone as First Responder (DFR) Programs.

For example, a police department in San Diego County has implemented a successful DFR program.

In this model, drones are deployed immediately in response to 911 calls, often arriving on the scene well ahead of ground units.

This rapid response capability enhances situational awareness for responding officers and can be particularly effective in covering large geographic areas with limited personnel.

The real-time intelligence provided by the drones allows for more strategic deployment of human resources and increases the proactive life-saving capabilities of the law enforcement agency.

During large-scale events such as public gatherings, festivals or demonstrations, RTCCs use drones to monitor crowd movements, identify potential threats or safety concerns and guide ground forces to developing incidents.

This aerial perspective allows for more effective resource allocation and proactive incident response.

In traffic management, UAVs equipped with high-resolution cameras assist in monitoring traffic patterns, which not only aids in immediate response but also provides valuable data for subsequent investigations and analysis.

For crime scene and accident reconstruction investigations, aerial video data offers investigators a comprehensive view, revealing spatial relationships and evidence patterns that might be less apparent from ground level.

Types of drones and their advantages

RTCCs are discovering that effective drone integration requires a diverse fleet of UAV types.

The varied nature of law enforcement missions demands different drone capabilities for specific scenarios.

From rapid deployment to extended surveillance, RTCCs are strategically building their drone fleets to address a range of operational needs.

This approach allows centers to select the most appropriate UAV for each mission, maximizing effectiveness while optimizing resources.

Common types of drones used by RTCCs and their distinct advantages include:

Quadcopters: these agile, compact drones are ideal for rapid deployment in urban environments.

Their ability to hover and maneuver in tight spaces makes them perfect for detailed scene assessment and close-quarter operations.

Fixed-wing UAVs: with longer flight times and greater range, these drones are well-suited for surveying large areas or providing extended coverage during prolonged incidents.

Hybrid vertical take-off and landing drones: combining the benefits of quadcopters and fixed-wing designs, these versatile platforms offer flexibility in launch and recovery with extended flight capabilities.

Specialized drones: some RTCCs are exploring the use of drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras or IR lighting for night operations or units capable of delivering supplies or equipment to officers in the field.

Tethered drones: offering unique advantages for RTCCs, particularly in situations requiring prolonged aerial surveillance, these systems remain connected to a ground-based power source via a microfilament tether, allowing for extended flight times and continuous data transmission.

While their range is limited by the tether length, they excel in providing persistent overwatch for fixed locations such as command posts or large-scale events.

Challenges and solutions in UAV integration

While the benefits of integrating UAVs into RTCC operations are clear, this approach also presents several challenges.

The volume of video data generated by multiple drones can be overwhelming.

RTCCs are addressing this by implementing data-driven, open platform video management software (VMS) that seamlessly integrates UAV feeds with other data sources.

These systems allow for real-time distribution of drone video to multiple endpoints, including command centers, mobile units and officers in the field.

Privacy concerns associated with aerial surveillance are being addressed through the development of strict policies governing drone operations.

These include clear guidelines on when and where UAVs can be deployed, what data can be collected and how that information is stored and accessed.

Regulatory compliance, particularly adhering to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations in urban environments, is another crucial consideration.

RTCCs are investing in comprehensive training programs for drone operators and working closely with the FAA to obtain necessary waivers and permissions for expanded operations.

Ensuring interoperability between drone systems and existing RTCC infrastructure is crucial.

Open platform VMS solutions are proving invaluable in this regard, offering the flexibility to integrate various hardware and software components through APIs and SDKs.

Getting started with UAVs

For departments looking to implement or expand UAV capabilities within their RTCCs, Kosina advises that a strategic approach is crucial.

When initiating a UAV program, agencies should first identify their specific operational needs and thoroughly test their system and procedures, and train operators and support teams for optimal results.

“Start small and scale up. Begin with a pilot program focusing on a specific use case, like responding to high-priority calls or monitoring large events,” explained Kosina.

“This allows departments to demonstrate value, refine processes and build public trust before expanding the program.

“Agencies need to invest in training that covers flight skills, privacy laws, FAA regulations and department-specific protocols.”

As agencies expand their UAV capabilities, they should continually assess and refine their programs.

This includes regularly reviewing policies, exploring new technologies and seeking feedback from both officers and the community.

By following these guidelines, RTCCs can successfully integrate drone technology into their operations, enhancing their ability to respond to incidents and better serve their communities.

The future of UAVs in RTCCs

As drone technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative applications in RTCC operations.

The integration of AI and machine learning algorithms will enhance the ability of RTCCs to automatically detect and alert operators to predefined items of interest captured by drone video.

The development of AI-driven autonomous flight capabilities will allow drones to respond to incidents with minimal human intervention, further reducing response times.

Additionally, the rollout of 5G networks will enable even faster and more reliable transmission of high-quality video and data from drones to RTCCs, enhancing real-time decision-making capabilities.

As this technology continues to mature, it will be crucial for law enforcement agencies to stay up to date on developments, invest in training and work closely with communities to ensure that the use of UAVs aligns with public safety and privacy goals.

With thoughtful implementation and clear operational guidelines, the partnership between RTCCs and UAVs promises to be a cornerstone of modern, technology-driven policing strategies.

This article was originally published in the October edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.