As e-bike incidents escalate in Gilbert, law enforcement has turned to advanced surveillance, dispatching drones to manage the reckless behavior of e-bike users, chiefly amongst teenagers. Officer Travis Sheppard of the Gilbert Police detailed the strategy to FOX 10 Phoenix, noting that the drones afford a vantage point thereby, reducing the need for high-speed chases that could endanger the public. "We're able to pinpoint where these riders are. It allows us to guide our officers to where these groups or these individual riders are and then allows us to do that safely without chasing them," Sheppard said.
While the drones enhance officer safety and efficiency, they also play a vital role in de-escalating potent situations. Lieutenant Geoff Soderman relayed to FOX 10 Phoenix a scenario where the drones' thermal imaging capability helped peacefully resolve a standoff with an armed suspect. According to Soderman, this intelligence helps in "handling that situation, hopefully to eliminate any type of use of force and de-escalate the situation."
Feedback from the community appears mixed. William Cody Bell expressed to AZFamily his observations of e-motorcycle riders weaving through traffic, and described the drone strategy as a sound measure for accountability. Neil Leatherman, on the other hand, advocates for a precedence on education over reprimand and is quoted saying "Interesting, drones. I mean how else could you keep up with them, right? You’re not going to be able to track them down any other way." However, he also added, "To place infractions on them, I think that's overstepping."
As part of their proactive approach, the Gilbert Police has also launched a 'Know Your Ride' campaign aimed at informing both riders and parents about the legalities and safety procedures associated with electronic vehicles. The campaign elucidates the differences between e-bikes and e-motorcycles; the latter requiring roadway travel, and obligatory registration and insurance. This education-first initiative aligns with the sentiments of citizens like Leatherman who underscore the importance of enlightenment before enforcement, according to an interview with AZFamily.
The evolving role of drones within Gilbert's law enforcement and public safety is far-reaching, extending beyond the tracking of e-bike users, as drones have also been used in fire and rescue operations to pinpoint danger zones and perform preliminary medical assessments, a transition that Officer Sheppard believes could prevent "the worst news that we bring to families is that your loved one's been seriously injured or has been killed," in an interview with FOX 10 Phoenix.
