PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Portland Police Bureau has announced it is expanding its drone program with the help of the Gresham Police Department, now sending drones as first responders.
The two drones belong to Gresham and two pilots will work out of a control room in Gresham City Hall. The drones will sit on top of Portland’s East Precinct and pilots can launch them out to emergencies in a 2.5 mile radius.
Franz Schoening with the Portland Police Bureau said the drones offer a number of benefits like reducing response time, keeping officers out of immediate danger, as well as helping officers know how to properly respond.
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“The technology can act as a de-escalation tool, giving us more time and more information to decide whether an armed response is necessary,” he said. “We also recognize that with new technology comes community concern around privacy and civil liberties. I want to assure you that strict safeguards are in place.”…