The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department started their drone program with a single drone in 2018. Now, according to the commander of the aviation unit, Sergeant Ron Shellnutt, they have over 50.
“We now have, or will have, by the end of next Friday, probably one of the largest drone units in the country, when it comes to systems and personnel that are operating them,” Shellnutt said.
These are relatively small drones, similar to commercially available products that have become popular in recent years. Each drone and its equipment costs about $6,000, and the city is investing in a total of 30 for the current rollout.
Shellnutt says the drones are being used by all districts to cover a citywide area. And all officers using them need to complete special training.
“They attend a 40-hour school,” Shellnutt said, “We just graduated 13 last Friday, next Friday we'll graduate 14 more. And they're spread throughout the city on different shifts on different letter days.”
IMPD said in a statement the drones will largely be used to aid in investigations and locate missing persons and suspects who have fled scenes. According to Shellnutt, drones are a safer and more cost-effective option than helicopters, which IMPD no longer uses.
Contact WFYI digital producer and reporter Zach Bundy at zbundy@wfyi.org.
