NORTH BRUNSWICK — The township Police Department will use a drone to aid in search and rescue operations, specifically in the event of a missing person.
Police Director Ken McCormick said during the Sept. 8 council workshop meeting that a drone was used during the warehouse fire on Livingston Avenue in July, which led to its validity as a tool in searching for people such as missing children or Alzheimer’s patients. He said that officers currently use thermal imagers, which are hand-held.
“It is permitted but it is only permitted right now for search and rescue,” township Attorney Ronald Gordon said during the meeting.
McCormick said officers selected to use the drone will be sent for training, and that the department will write a policy to make sure the drone is used at low elevations, in the line of sight and for short distances.
“You do have to stay out of flight paths,” Gordon advised.
In terms of investigations, Gordon said a search warrant will be needed and there “will be some evidentiary issues should there be law enforcement-type uses for it by way of introducing it into criminal evidence.”
McCormick said money for the drone was available in the capital budget. Councilman Robert Corbin suggested asking the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office for funding.