ALBANY, NY- Local state troopers will be among the first in New York State to start using drones to enhance their work protecting the public, including traffic safety and disaster response.
The Governor's office announced Wednesday the launch of the new State Police Unmanned Aerial System program. The first four drones will be put into service this month in Troop A, which serves the eight counties of WNY, Troop D, which serves seven counties in central NY, and Troop G, which serves ten counties in the Albany area.
The drones can be used to document and reconstruct serious motor vehicle accidents in less time that current methods, as well as to document and photograph crime scenes.
Troopers who will operate the drones will be certified by the FAA and undergo 32 hours of hands-on training.
"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," said State Police Superintendent George Beach II in a statement.
The New York State Trooper Foundation is donating 16 drone systems to the State Police.
State Police say they want people to know that they won't use the drones for surveillance. And that video that ends up not having any law enforcement purpose will be deleted after 30 days.