EXCELLENCE IN ACTION
With the program details in place , BPD launched its DFR program – the first in the southeastern United States – in April 2020 . Like in Chula Vista , BPD UAS are positioned at fixed launch points in the city and teleoperated by BPD police officers . BPD strategically selected launch sites that allowed for maximum flight radius around the areas in which most calls for service are received . Geofencing and pre-flight programming ensures the drone remains in permissible air space , within City boundaries , and flying free of hazards and obstructions such as power lines .
The flagship of the BPD UAS fleet is the DJI Matrice 300 RTK . The M300 is the latest and most capable UAS platform from industry leader DJI . Capable of flight times up to 55 minutes , the M300 is equipped with a Zenmuse H20T camera . The 20 MP zoom camera is capable of thermal imaging similar to FLIR technology commonly found on manned police aircraft . In addition , the M300 can be equipped with a Wingsland Z15 Gimbal Spotlight with a 10,200-lumen output , and a loudspeaker .
The BPD UAS team is comprised of 17 officers who have achieved FAA certification as Part 107 Remote Pilots . To obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate , applicants must pass an initial aeronautical knowledge test requiring demonstrated knowledge in keys areas such as weather , operations , regulations , loading and performance , and the National Airspace System . BPD policy further requires monthly in-service training for each pilot .
In addition to the DFR application , Brookhaven Police Department is using UAS technology for crime and crash scene documentation , missing and wanted persons searches , public event security , and in support of North Metro SWAT operations in the cities of Brookhaven , Dunwoody , Sandy Springs , and Johns Creek .
The mission of the Brookhaven Police Department is to “ enhance the quality of life for those in our community by providing effective , high quality , and professional police services .” The UAS program generally , and the DFR program specifically , are excellent examples of high-quality and innovative approaches to policing that are enhancing the quality of life and the quality of police services available in the Brookhaven community .
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Lieutenant David T . Snively is assigned to the Brookhaven Police Department ’ s Training and Certification Unit and also oversees the department ’ s Public Information Office . He began his law enforcement career in 2007 and is currently a Doctor of Philosophy ( Ph . D .) candidate at Georgia State University .
Lt . Abrem Ayanna is the Unit Commander of the Brookhaven Police Department Criminal Investigations Division . He has 10 years of law enforcement experience and has been with the City of Brookhaven since 2015 . He additionally serves as the UAS Team Commander .
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