We also used our drones this week to assist search and rescue teams in the search of an individual in Ozark National Forest off Rich Mountain Road. We did not locate the subject but the drones helped us clear areas along bluffs that were inaccessible to the search and rescue personnel.

 

We also use drones when executing search warrants or when assisting in parole/probation searches when we believe the subjects may flee or have a history violence. We also use the drones in photographing crime scenes and in searching large properties for stolen property.

All of our drone pilots are licensed FAA remote drone pilots and all of our drones are registered with the FAA and have Remote ID equipment. When we deploy our drones, we notify our Dispatch so if you see a drone and want to know if it ours, then call the Logan County Sheriff's Office Dispatch at 479-963-3271, ext. 2. Also, we do not record until we have found the suspect or are over the target area in a search or over the crime scene. We understand people have very strong privacy interests and we do what we can to focus our drones on the mission parameters. I fly most of the missions myself and I always strive to stay up-to-date on the current laws and legal opinions on drones and that our other drone pilots are up-to-date as well. Drones are great tools and we are so appreciative to have the use of them in assisting in our mission of protecting and serving our citizens.