Las Vegas Police Deploy Drones From Rooftops To Enhance City Surveillance

Las Vegas Police Expand Drone Operations From Elevated Positions

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) has begun utilizing rooftops around the city as strategic launch sites for their surveillance drones. This initiative supports both emergency responses and routine monitoring efforts, reflecting an increased commitment to integrating advanced technology into law enforcement practices.

Elevating Public Safety With Innovative Surveillance

Dori Koren, assistant sheriff of the LVMPD, highlighted this move as part of the department’s broader strategy to enhance public safety. Using drone technology, officers can cover more ground and provide continuous aerial observation, which serves as a proactive tool against crime.

Since last October, drone assistance has been instrumental in tracking down suspects on 169 separate occasions, demonstrating the effectiveness of this aerial approach. Routine drone patrols aim to detect suspicious behavior early, helping to deter both minor offenses and serious criminal activities.

Inspired by the casino industry’s use of overhead monitoring, this drone program delivers real-time surveillance over critical zones, reduces the strain on patrol officers, and boosts overall security. So far, the department has conducted 1,100 drone missions, resulting in 386 arrests, marking significant operational success.

Benefits of Drone Usage in Policing

Drones also play a vital role in ensuring officer safety and optimizing resource allocation. They can investigate signals or alerts ahead of officer deployment, effectively minimizing risks when approaching potentially hazardous scenes. This capability not only conserves manpower but also helps prevent dangerous encounters.

Currently, the LVMPD operates from 13 designated rooftops, termed “sky ports,” from which drones are launched to maintain vigilant coverage across Las Vegas.