EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — The Council recently adopted a resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application to purchase two tethered drones for the police department.
Tethered drones, also known as kites, are increasingly being used by police departments across the country. They offer a “reliable, efficient, and sustained means of aerial surveillance and data gathering,” especially in challenging or crowded situations.
The grant amount mentioned in the resolution is $95,693.
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The resolution permits the township to submit grant applications totaling $95,693 to the various federal, state and private grant opportunities to purchase the drones.
“The safety and security of our community are paramount concerns for the East Brunswick Police Department. The ability to effectively predict and adequately prepare resources and personnel to manage large gatherings, events, traffic concerns, and environmental emergencies is crucial to ensuring the safety and welfare of the public,” the resolution said.
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“The acquisition of tethered drones aligns with our commitment to technological improvements and emergency preparedness for the benefit of our residents.”
Tethered drones are fast becoming an integral tech tool for law enforcement and fire departments.
With new-age drones available, they bring additional safety during critical situations like fire response, search and rescue, reconnaissance and more.
In January this year, the Robbinsville Police Department used drones to rescue a child who went missing in a heavily wooded area. With freezing temperatures and snow-covered woods, the task was difficult, but thanks to the drone and thermal imaging, the child was located in 10 minutes and reunited with their family.
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