AMES, Iowa — The Ames Police Department announced a new Unmanned Aerial Systems program they say will “enhance public safety” on Sunday.
According to the Ames Police Department post, the new drone program, or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) program, is “designed to support public safety operations across our community.”
In the announcement video, Sgt. Blake Marshall says the drone unit began in January 2025 and that seven pilots are currently certified to use the system.
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Sgt. Marshall says there are four drones in the program right now. Two are used for exterior purposes, such as missing person searches or area overwatch during events. The other two are used for interior searches, such as clearing structures or aiding in conducting search warrants…