Photo: Ryan Pierse / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
In Dutchess County, a drone operation led to the arrest of a suspect on Monday (June 9). The Dutchess County Sheriff's Office deployed drones in the Town of North East, temporarily closing Route 199 between Route 22 and Winchell Mountain Road. The operation, conducted by the Sheriff's Office Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) unit, was part of their ongoing efforts to incorporate drones into the county's Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) for enhanced surveillance and suspect location capabilities.
Sheriff Kirk Imperati emphasized the effectiveness of drones in various situations, including search and rescue and surveillance. The drones, with a five-mile radius, provide real-time aerial views to assist patrol units on the ground. Sheriff Imperati stated, "The drones are a tremendous asset that we can utilize as a tool for helping us protect the nearly 300,000 residents of Dutchess County."
The operation caused significant traffic disruptions, with one community member reporting a two-hour delay before receiving a police escort home. Despite the inconvenience, officials assured the public that there was no threat to safety. The sheriff's office urged residents to avoid the area while the operation was underway.
As drones become more integrated into law enforcement, Dutchess County continues to expand its capabilities, planning further training and enhancements to their UAS unit. The RTCC, supported by local and federal funding, aims to improve public safety and crime response efficiency in the region.