LA Port prepares to Launch Drone Programme

Could the use of a port drone have averted a tragic 2017 helicopter crash into the harbour ? Presenters at last week’s Board of Los Angeles Harbor Commissioners meeting said it’s one of the many reasons acquiring unmanned aerial system devices makes sense for both the Los Angeles Port Police and the Harbor Department.

Los Angeles Port Police gave the presentation to harbor commissioners on Thursday, Dec. 19, saying that the UAS devices will have a significant use in mapping and photography so that assignments such as the one in 2017 might be handled without the potential danger. Drones have the capacity to fly low without putting pilots or passengers in harm’s way.

But they also have significant uses in law enforcement. The port Police Department is in the process of codifying guidelines and training protocols for the new equipment.

The meeting Thursday, officials said, was essentially a final step; the port police and Harbor Department have the unmanned aerial system devices in hand and are ready to deploy them.

Los Angeles Port Police Deputy Chief Randy Allen told commissioners that the technology is becoming widespread throughout law enforcement and will soon be implemented by the Los Angeles Port Police.

Los Angeles Port Police and the Harbor Department collectively have acquired seven of the devices and have been carrying out training with personnel.

“The City of Los Angeles has studied this program extensively,” he told commissioners, “and has engaged the community at many levels to develop their policies.”

Ever since 9-11, ports have been seen as potential targets, requiring the addition of better security systems in the past two decades.

Source: Press Telegram

One comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *