Madison Police Eye New Tool To Help Fight Crime

By Jack Kramer, Correspondent

MADISON, CT – Including a drone as part of the arsenal of equipment used by the Madison Police Department is a strategy that was the subject of discussion at a recent meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners.

Police Chief Jack Drumm told the commissioners that larger police department are already using drones for 360 degree police scene images.

Drumm said he would like to budget for a drone in the upcoming budget cycle, telling commissioners the cost of one is about $3,100. Understanding that the town is in a tough budget climate, Drumm categorized purchasing a drone as a “wish” but that he’d like it to to be a “need” because he sees it as a valuable tool in fighting crime.

Police Commission Vice Chairman Ed Dowling agreed with the chief that drones have become a valuable tool.

He termed it “an acceptable part of public safety, integral to the right complement of officers who are trained” to use it correctly.

The commissioners talked about issues concerning privacy with the use of drones, but also noted that there are policies in place concerning the proper use of drones that would need to be followed when and if Madison decides to purchase a drone for police use.

The commission directed Drumm to further look into those policies and procedures as the commission continues consider whether to ask for one in its next budget.