Portland police plan to start using drones in a yearlong pilot to document crash scenes, watch traffic, respond to bomb threats, help in searches and respond to disasters like building collapses.
The project is expected to begin in about 60 days and cost under $80,000, police said in an announcement Wednesday. They will be marked with city and police logos.
“During this critical staffing period, PPB continues to look for innovative ways to help us do our jobs more efficiently and effectively,” Police Chief Chuck Lovell said in a statement.
The Portland City Council authorized use of the drones.
They cannot be used for mass surveillance, facial recognition, harassing people and managing crowds under Oregon statutes governing aircraft operation rules.
The bureau’s Traffic Division and Metro Explosive Disposal Unit will operate the drones, police said.
About 5,000 public safety agencies in the country use drones, according to Drone Responders, a nonprofit that aims to introduce first responders to the devices.
Nearly every law enforcement agency within the Portland metro area uses drones, police said, as do other departments across the state.
Oregon State Police started a drone pilot program in 2018 and currently use the technology to help police departments throughout the state locate suspects. On March 25, for instance, state police deployed a drone to help Portland police pursue a homicide suspect, according to state records.
— Lisa Moreno; lmoreno@oregonian.com
