MCPD May Add Drone Technology

The Mt. Carmel Police Department is looking at adding drone technology to its’ collection of life saving equipment. Police Chief Ryan Turner told the city council that officer Paris Pennington used drones while in the military and the addition would aid the police department in many instances. The biggest of which is in search and rescue situations where a missing person is being sought. Turner said a thermal imaging drone could cover much more ground quicker than a typical foot search. He said the time saved could mean the difference in life and death and if just one life was saved, the cost of the drone technology would be well worth the investment. Pennington would undergo FAA certification if the drone program is approved and MCPD would one of the few communities in the state with the technology. Turner said the drone could also be used by the fire department to aid in fighting fires.