Spectrum donated a drone to the Mount Pleasant Police Department that is already making public safety operations faster and more efficient.
An $11,600 donation from Spectrum allowed the police department to purchase a drone with thermal and infrared cameras to replace the department’s outdated, first-generation police drone. The police department has used drones while locating a missing person, clearing houses prior to officers entering, and during special events with large crowds.
“We can cover more ground from the air than with one officer on foot or in a car,” Mount Pleasant Police Chief Robert Botsch said. “This technology through our partnership with Spectrum helps the police department be faster, smarter, and safer.”
Spectrum maintains strong relationships with local and federal law enforcement agencies as part of its day-to-day activities that keep employees, facilities, and its network safe. As part of these efforts, Spectrum provides grants to law enforcement offices across the country for equipment that ensures officer and community safety.
Public safety nonprofit organization Racine Community Outpost facilitated the donation by Spectrum.
“This drone will play a critical role in the safety of everyone in Mount Pleasant,” said Thom Smith, Supervisor of Corporate Physical Security for Spectrum. “This partnership highlights the significance of working together toward a common goal to benefit the communities we live in.”
Drones are valuable tools that help local emergency responders conduct search and rescue operations, photograph and map crime scenes, and apprehend subjects. They can quickly scan wide areas for missing persons, and check to make sure no children are present at a property before an enforcement action begins, for example.
After deploying the drone donated by Spectrum and training officers to use it, the Mount Pleasant Police Department invested in two additional, smaller drones that can operate indoors. That additional technology helps keep officers and the public safe in standoff situations, for example.
“Thank you to Spectrum for sharing Mount Pleasant’s dedication to public-private partnerships like this one,” said Mount Pleasant Village President David DeGroot. “I can’t wait to see what’s next as we continue to embrace forward-thinking technology like these drones.”
Mount Pleasant police can deploy the drones to support other local law enforcement agencies, including the Racine Police Department, Racine County Sheriff’s Office, and Caledonia Police Department that also have drone programs.
“Racine County has seen firsthand how drone technology can strengthen public safety, from helping officers respond faster to giving them a clearer view in critical situations,” said Ralph Malicki, Racine County Executive. “It’s encouraging to see more local departments adopting these tools to better serve our residents. I appreciate Spectrum for their private sector support for local safety efforts and for helping advance innovation that keeps Racine County safe.”