Drone program boosts Lima police operations
In a bid to modernize and improve public safety, the Lima, Ohio, Police Department has launched an innovative drone program.
Lieutenant Zac Leland contended that the investment, spearheaded by Major Curt Hile and supported by a dedicated team, has transformed how the department approaches public safety, surveillance and emergency response.
Leland is currently acting as the interim police chief and has been with the department for 15 years. He shared insights into the program’s development.
“This drone stuff is Major Hile’s brainchild,” he said. “He found the right people in the department, who did all the research and got the ball rolling.”
The program launched with 12 officers expressing interest in becoming certified drone operators. To date, the department has six certified operators, with the goal of getting all 12 up to speed.
Per Leland, the department’s investment in drones has already paid off.
“It’s a giant force multiplier,” he said. “We use them almost every day for various purposes, from monitoring large events like the St. Gerard Parish Festival to assisting in SWAT emergencies and surveilling wanted individuals.”
One notable success occurred on the Fourth of July, when a drone was used during a standoff with a barricaded individual. The drone allowed officers to communicate with the person without putting anyone in danger. In Leland’s words, “It really sets itself up to not violate the priority of life when it comes to police operations.”
The drones have also proven invaluable in preventing car break-ins. “Before the program, we might catch one out of five suspects in progress,” he said. “Now, we’re batting 100% on apprehending that kind of offender.”
Implementing the drone program wasn’t without its challenges. At first, there was some skepticism within the department, for instance. Leland’s peers questioned the utility or relevance of drone use. But once they saw it in action, the buy-in increased.
Regulatory hurdles also posed a challenge. “The biggest hurdle is the regulation surrounding drones,” said Leland. “We have to be mindful of citizens’ rights and privacy. We’re not using drones to patrol neighborhoods or spy on people. It’s about using them proactively and responsibly.”
The department has worked closely with the Federal Aviation Administration to navigate those regulations. As Leland noted, securing a Certificate of Authorization gives his agency more flexibility in how it uses the drones. For example, officers can operate them beyond the line of sight in certain emergencies.
The department’s current fleet includes two DJI Matrice drones equipped with advanced features like spotlights, speakers and thermal imaging.
“These drones can fly up to 400 feet and provide real-time video and communication,” he said. “We also have a smaller drone that the SWAT team uses to clear houses in dangerous situations.”
Looking ahead, Leland said the department is exploring the possibility of using drones as first responders. Eventually, the plan is to integrate drones into CAD software so officers can get eyes on a situation before arriving on the scene. The end goal is not about replacing officers but making operations more efficient.
The department is also considering the potential application of drone technology in other contexts.
“Our utilities department used drones for water tower inspections before we started this program,” he said. “Drones can be a multi-use tool for the entire municipality.”
While the community’s awareness of the program is still growing, the response from those directly impacted has been positive.
“People appreciate it when we solve crimes or handle emergencies more efficiently,” Leland said. “The drones have already paid for themselves in terms of the value they bring.”
The initial investment for the program was $17,000, obtained from the local general fund. Leland acknowledged that Major Hile was instrumental in finding the budget for the purchase. Mayor Sharetta Smith was also a big supporter, he added, and her backing made a considerable difference.
As the program continues to evolve, the department is committed to staying ahead of the curve.
“Drone technology is advancing rapidly, and we’re keeping up with the latest developments,” Leland said. “We renew our licenses every two years and stay on top of changes in case law and best practices.” For other municipalities considering a similar investment, Leland offered some advice: “Do your research and take your time. Develop a relationship with your local FAA office, and make sure you have a clear plan for how you’ll use the drones.”
