In a nod to technological advancement and its increasing role in law enforcement, the El Paso Police Department is marking Day 1 of its festive 12 Days of EPPD campaign by spotlighting its Special Traffic Investigators (STI), who have recently upped their game with advanced drone training. On social media, the El Paso Police Department shared that their team has successfully navigated a comprehensive training program focused on harnessing drone technology to assist in serious crash investigations.
This extensive education venture included a 40-hour course by a University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) professor, the passing of the Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 exam, and a dedicated week of departmental proficiency drilling. Through this rigorous process, these investigators are now certified drone operators, a move that the EPPD believes will lead to more efficient and accurate documentation of collision scenes, all while juggling their customary investigative and ongoing training responsibilities.
It comes as no surprise that law enforcement agencies, such as the EPPD, are seeking to fortify their response and investigative capabilities with the integration of drones. The versatility and bird's-eye perspective provided by these aerial tools can be invaluable in capturing comprehensive overviews of accident sites, which, in turn, can translate to swifter roadway clearance and enhanced safety for both officers and the general public.
