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Brentwood Police Soar Ahead with Cutting-Edge Drone Program cKeesport rentwood
CITY BRIEFLY OF MCKEESPORT BRENTWOOD NEWS
The Brentwood Borough Police Department is positioning itself as a leader in public safety innovation through the use of advanced drone technology. With the formation of a dedicated Drone Team and the creation of a mobile command unit, Brentwood is setting the standard for how departments across the South Hills and beyond can leverage unmanned aerial systems for both emergency response and routine operations.
Brentwood Police were featured presenters at the South Hills Area Council of Governments( SHACOG) Chiefs Meeting, where they showcased the capabilities of both their department and the broader SHACOG Drone Team. The Brentwood Drone Team includes Officers Scott Davidson and Scott Massey and is overseen by Sergeant Josh Scott, who is also a licensed drone pilot. Together, they’ ve helped lead a regional collaboration that continues to grow in scope and impact.
In a major step forward, Brentwood converted one of its patrol vehicles into a dedicated drone command center in 2024. This move allows pilots to quickly deploy drones during incidents, reducing response times and expanding situational awareness in the field. The department currently operates both an outdoor and indoor drone, providing flexibility for a wide range of
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scenarios— from open-area searches to confined indoor navigation.
Brentwood’ s program is also a key component of the SHACOG Drone Team, which now boasts 25 certified pilots and a fleet of 10 drones( five indoor-capable and five outdoor-capable). As a unit, they are averaging 8 – 10 deployments each month.
Whether working solo or in tandem with SHACOG partners, Brentwood’ s Drone Team has already made a measurable impact. Their missions have included locating missing persons, documenting crime scenes, and supporting the SHACOG Critical Incident Response Team with live aerial surveillance during active incidents and training events. They’ ve also participated in public outreach efforts, helping to familiarize residents with the new technology and its many benefits.
The program was made possible thanks in part to a grant from Allegheny County District Attorney Steven Zappala, with the Borough of Brentwood providing additional funding to ensure long-term success.
As drone use in law enforcement continues to expand, Brentwood is proud to be ahead of the curve— using technology not only to enhance safety and efficiency but to build a stronger, more connected community.