Drones can be used for search and rescue, or for locating missing persons and animals. They are often used to find lost hikers and elderly people who wander away from their homes. They can even be used to find crash victims who have been thrown from their car. Drone rescues are becoming more and more common each year. They are particularly useful at night when fitted with thermal cameras that pick-up heat signatures.

Support for Fire Department

In many cases, large fire departments are purchasing their own drones; however, the expense may not be feasible for smaller towns or cities. Police departments with drone units have found that they can help the local fire department by collaborating to locate the fire, identify potential victims, and aid the firefighters in directing their resources accordingly. In one example, the Daytona Beach police used thermal images to discover a hot spot in a hotel fire. The fire department was able to quickly turn their hoses to that spot.

Suspect Surveillance

Having an eye in the sky provides critical intelligence and guides security and police to optimal positions. Reducing uncertainty also helps to reduce the stress levels of containment teams. Drones can also help to identify suspects and what weapons they might be carrying. In a case where there is a break and enter and the suspect flees into the bush, security can deploy a drone prior to Police arrival and pinpoint the suspects location and assist Police in the suspects arrest.