Sen. Gaston (opinion): Drones can boost our police force

Bridgeport is set to take a major step forward in modernizing public safety, as new funding in the state budget will support the launch of a pilot program equipping the city’s police department with drones. Designed to enhance situational awareness, improve emergency response times, and support de-escalation efforts, the program marks a significant investment in innovative policing strategies. With the inclusion of this initiative in the state budget, Bridgeport becomes one of the first cities in Connecticut to explore how drone technology can be safely and effectively integrated into community-focused law enforcement.

Calling 911 you expect an immediate response. If you need help you want someone there within minutes. If a crime is taking place, officers are also expected to get to the scene ASAP. Police officers, however, don’t have teleportation powers. Although sometimes they arrive to a scene in minutes, what if we could enact something that would allow officers to process the scene quicker than any human could arrive.

Last legislative session, I introduced a bill to launch a pilot program allowing police departments to deploy drones to emergency scenes ahead of officers, with the goal of improving response times and enhancing public safety — especially in high-crime areas. While the bill did not advance, it sparked important conversations about the future of law enforcement technology and innovative ways to keep communities safe.

I’m excited that Bridgeport is set to receive funding to begin using drones as part of its public safety efforts. This is a major step forward in embracing smart, innovative tools that can help protect both our officers and our communities. While my bill didn’t pass last session, seeing Bridgeport move forward with this kind of technology shows there’s real momentum behind these ideas — and it reinforces why I’ll keep pushing for broader implementation across the state.

Drones offer a variety of benefits when it comes to aiding our police force. Not only can they arrive to a scene quickly, they can provide law enforcement agencies with a unique and versatile perspective, allowing them to surveillance areas that might be challenging or dangerous for officers to access directly. Drones empower police forces to swiftly gather critical information, monitor large crowds, and respond rapidly to emergencies.

Drones play a pivotal role in augmenting police departments, particularly in the face of declining recruit numbers nationwide. As police departments struggle with recruitment and retention, drones can provide enhanced capabilities without requiring additional human resources. They serve as additional eyes compensating for a shortage of officers.

Sending a drone to the crime scene first also limits potential risk of an officer. Sometimes when law enforcement heads to a scene, they might not know what to expect. By sending a drone ahead of time, they evaluate the scene from above allowing officers to gauge what they are going to step into when they arrive.

The use of drones not only improves situational awareness but also aids in search and rescue missions, crime scene documentation, and traffic management. As technology continues to advance, the integration of drones into police operations not only enhances overall public safety but also amplifies law enforcement’s commitment to embracing innovative solutions to benefit communities they serve.

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