State Police Unmanned Aerial System program launches in New York

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On Jan 10., New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the launch of the new State Police Unmanned Aerial System program, which will be used to support a variety of law enforcement and public safety missions in New York.

Expected to be deployed in multiple locations across the state, the UAS, which will be operated by State Police members who are FAA certified and have undergone 32 hours of hands-on training with the systems, are expected to reduce response times and make operations more efficient and cost-effective.

Among many potential uses, the UAS can be used in dangerous situations and environments, such as natural disasters, to help keep State Troopers out of harm's way.

The UAS can also be used to help document and reconstruct serious motor vehicle crashes in less time than with current methods, which will result in shorter road closures, ultimately benefiting motorists. Investigators will also use the technology to document and photograph crime scenes. 

“This state-of-the-art technology will improve emergency response, improve operational and cost efficiencies and increase Trooper safety,” Governor Cuomo says.

“We will continue to implement innovative technologies to improve our ability to protect New Yorkers across this great state.”

The first four State Police UAS will be put into service this month in four different Troops—A, D, F, and G. Each Troop serves several counties throughout New York.

By April of this year, 14 more UAS will be deployed throughout the state.

“The aerial drone systems we are deploying bring substantial benefits to our Troopers in the field, and are representative of our ongoing efforts to provide the tools they need to deliver outstanding service to the public,” comments State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II.

“I want to thank Governor Cuomo and the Trooper Foundation for their continued support of the State Police.”

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