The Union Parish Sheriff’s Office has added new equipment to its law enforcement toolbox, including a high-tech drone with a thermal camera and 24 new body cameras for patrol deputies.
UPSO Sheriff Dusty Gates said these upgrades will improve search-and-rescue efforts, deputy accountability, and provide advanced technology for critical situations.
Gates emphasized the value of the new body cameras issued to each patrol deputy. “These cameras provide an extra layer of transparency and accountability,” Gates said. “They help protect both our deputies and the public by providing clear, reliable records of interactions in the field.”
Along with the body cameras, UPSO is introducing a new thermal drone to assist in search-and-rescue missions, suspect tracking, and emergency responses. The drone features a thermal sensor for detecting heat signatures, a spotlight for illumination, and a loudspeaker for voice communication, making it particularly effective for nighttime operations.
“This drone helps us see what we can’t from the ground,” said Gates. “With its thermal imaging capability, we can find missing people, track suspects, and assess dangerous situations faster than ever.”
Leading the newly formed UPSO Drone Team as chief pilot is Deputy Burt Green, who holds a Remote Pilot Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration. Green, along with four other deputies, will receive specialized training to ensure the safe and effective operation of the drone.
“This technology gives us an extra set of eyes in the sky,” Green said. “It will be a great asset in emergency situations where time is critical.”
The body cameras and drone are part of UPSO’s efforts to modernize its operations and improve service to the parish. The UPSO Drone Team will begin using the drone in the coming weeks after training is completed and the new body cameras have already been issued to patrol deputies.
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