WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office is testing out a new drone technology. The office said it's one of five agencies in the world to pilot it.
The new technology is called 'Drone in a Dock.' Different from a drone that's carried with a person to a location — this one is stationed within the county. When deputies get a tip that a crime is happening near where it is docked, they can launch it from the sheriff's office without heading to the site.
Forsyth County Sheriff, Bobby Kimbrough Jr. said the FAA has authorized them to fly this drone out of sight within a two-mile radius.
The sheriff said the drones will also be able to operate as first responders.
"We're able to deliver AEDs with them and Narcan. There are so many things that we're going to be able to deliver with drones. I'm so excited that we are the first; as North Carolina was the first flight with the Wright brothers, we are the first to be able to deliver that from a law enforcement perspective," explained Sheriff Kimbrough.
The sheriff's office's drone team coordinator said having the drones in the sky is a game changer for law enforcement. The sheriff hopes they will continue to buy more drones soon because it's already helping solve crime.
"In the homicide that we had recently here in Forsyth County, our drone team was essential and helping our detectives locate some suspects. So, we are involved in a lot of investigations that are seen and we're also involved in some that are unseen. I want you to know that we're at work and we do have eyes in the sky," said Sgt. Brian Mullins.
Other agencies like Guilford and Alamance County Sheriff's Offices also have drone teams. The difference is they have to be with the drone to fly it.
For years, drone teams have been part of law enforcement agencies and are useful in solving crimes.
For example, back in December, Alamance County deputies found a missing woman by flying their drone.
"That situation we had already done some foot searches nearby we just were not able to locate her because of the terrain, the tall grass that was around. Who knows how long it would've taken to find her without the drone technology, 30 minutes once the drone was in the air? We may not have found her until the next day and unfortunately, that would've been too late," recalled Drone Coordinator, Walter Britt.