Key Takeaways:
- Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is partnering with the Lexington police to test drone detection technology that can identify unauthorized aircraft during investigations.
- The technology, called a drone tag, detects aircraft and provides details about registered owners, and costs around $1,200 with an annual subscription fee.
- The partnership aims to help law enforcement agencies with limited resources to answer questions and provide support during investigations.
- EKU students are gaining hands-on experience through the testing and demonstration of the drone technology.
- The drone industry is expanding beyond recreational use into various applications, including mapping, agriculture, construction, and public safety.
Introduction to Drone Detection Technology
The use of drones has become increasingly popular in recent years, and with it, the need for effective drone detection technology has grown. Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is working with the Lexington police to test a new drone detection technology that could help law enforcement identify unauthorized aircraft during active investigations. The partnership involves EKU’s College of Justice, Safety and Military Science and focuses on a device called a drone tag that detects aircraft and provides details about registered owners. According to Derek Paulsen, dean of EKU’s College of Justice, Safety and Military Science, the goal is to help public safety agencies that have limited resources and people to answer the questions they need to answer.
Testing and Development of Drone Tag
The testing of the drone tag is being conducted on the EKU campus, which provides a controlled environment with less interference from buildings and trees. The device is portable and costs around $1,200 with an annual subscription fee, making it a cost-effective option for local law enforcement agencies. The testing is being carried out by EKU students through a research grant, and it has provided them with hands-on experience in using the technology. The students have participated in demonstrations with law enforcement, using their drone piloting skills in simulated scenarios to test the effectiveness of the drone tag.
Police Expansion of Drone Program
The Lexington Police Department has been expanding its drone program, which started in the bomb squad and has grown to include more officers becoming certified pilots. According to Commander Matt Greathouse, the department has had multiple success stories where drones have been used to find potential suspects and lost people. The department faces operational limitations, including battery life and flight distance restrictions, but it wants to expand drone access across the community so all areas can benefit from the technology. The partnership with EKU is an important step in achieving this goal, as it provides the department with access to the latest drone detection technology.
Student Involvement and Hands-on Experience
The partnership between EKU and the Lexington police has provided students with valuable hands-on experience in using drone technology. The students have participated in demonstrations with law enforcement, using their drone piloting skills in simulated scenarios to test the effectiveness of the drone tag. According to Paulsen, the students had a great deal of fun participating in the demonstrations, and it provided them with a unique learning experience. The students were able to fly their drones over a ravine, and the police were tasked with finding them, which helped to test the effectiveness of the drone tag.
Growing Industry Applications
The drone industry is expanding beyond recreational use into various applications, including mapping, agriculture, construction, and public safety. According to Paulsen, the industry is growing rapidly, and the use of drones is becoming more widespread. EKU offers the only Bachelor of Science in Aviation program in Kentucky, and the university is considering placing drone tags at stationary sites in addition to the portable units that attach to police drones. The growing industry applications of drones highlight the importance of effective drone detection technology, and the partnership between EKU and the Lexington police is an important step in developing this technology.
Conclusion and Future Developments
The partnership between EKU and the Lexington police is an important step in developing effective drone detection technology. The use of drones is becoming more widespread, and the need for effective detection technology is growing. The drone tag has the potential to be a valuable tool for law enforcement agencies, and the partnership between EKU and the Lexington police is helping to test and develop this technology. According to Greathouse, the drone tag has the potential to be a valuable tool for the community, and the partnership is an important step in achieving this goal. As the drone industry continues to grow and expand, the development of effective drone detection technology will become increasingly important, and the partnership between EKU and the Lexington police is at the forefront of this development.