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<\/p>\nThe St. Petersburg Police Department is now using aerial systems to address calls in real time. A \u201cDrone Hive,\u201d consisting of three devices and their docking stations, has been installed on the rooftop of SPPD\u2019s headquarters. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Police Chief Anthony Holloway announced the expansion Wednesday.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe saw the capabilities that drones had when we used them as a first responder,\u201d he explained to the Catalyst. \u201cSo we looked at if we could use the program to handle more calls in the city.\u201d<\/p>\n
In 2019, SPPD began to implement drones for SWAT and traffic team operations. After hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, Holloway and his staff used the technology to report street flooding conditions. In March 2025, the department started to utilize drones to respond to emergencies.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The drone hive began operations earlier this year, Holloway said. Before starting to complete missions, a series of tests were conducted. The aerial systems are controlled by pilots at SPPD\u2019s Real Time Intelligence Center.\u00a0<\/p>\n
With the technology, he added, officers can receive vital details quicker. Once a potential crime is reported, SPPD staff members can send drones to the location of interest within five minutes or less.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter a person has called in with a description, now we have eyes on the scene,\u201d he said. \u201cSo, we can give officers information on how they can drive into the scene safely or how they can set up the perimeter.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The aerial systems are controlled by pilots at SPPD\u2019s Real Time Intelligence Center.<\/p>\n
Holloway explained that the technology can help determine if a suspect has a gun and what type of gun it is.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Additionally, the drones have infrared capabilities for night vision. If the SPPD receives a call about a noise in someone\u2019s backyard, it can send an aerial system to examine the area and determine if an individual is hiding on the property.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He said that the program can also help catch suspects in the act. If the SPPD gets a tip that an individual is performing a certain illegal activity in a neighborhood, it can use drones to monitor the surroundings. The systems can provide video evidence of the behavior. \u201cIt just gives the officer the upper edge when something happens.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Aerial systems can help identify a fugitive, Holloway added. The technology can follow the individual in question whether they are walking, riding a bike or driving a car.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes people will say that they went northbound and we lost them,\u201d he said. \u201cAs the drones fly into the area, they can start searching for the suspect.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Currently, the SPPD has 11 drones and 37 pilots. The organization is planning on installing more \u201cDrone Hives\u201d around the city over the next two years.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe the new drone program is helping us make our city just a little bit safer,\u201d Holloway explained. \u201cTechnology will be able to enhance what police officers are doing. However, it\u2019s not a replacement. It gives them more tools in their toolbox to work with. You still need a person to make the arrest and a person to interview witnesses and victims.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
People sometimes feel frustrated after calling the police due to wait times, he added. However, drones can be a presence on the scene prior to officer arrival. This can provide peace of mind to victims. \u201cTwo minutes can seem like a lifetime.\u201d<\/p>\n
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