PECOS, TX (KWES) - The Pecos Police Department has new technology to help investigate crimes. They purchased a drone. It's being used in training, to get aerial views of crime scenes, and helping to keep their officers safe.
The department bought the $2,000 drone about six months ago with seized drug money. So far, it's gotten lot of use.
"We thought it might enhance out criminal cases and provide some officer safety for us also," said Police Chief Clay McKinney.
So far officers have used it in a burglary and helped the Reeves County sheriff's office with a murder case.
"You know, they say a picture is better than a thousand words. If we can take that picture of a crime scene or some type of criminal investigation and we can show a video to a jury and help us get a conviction," said McKinney.
The drone can also be a tool during flash flooding situations to check on high water and even assist in rescues.
McKinney recommends the tool to other departments. He says the drone will help when officers might be in danger.
"We can take the drone up in a tactical situation and obtain information from that drone, where I don't have to put an officer in harms way to obtain the same type of information," said McKinney. "Technology is always changing and I think it is important to stay on top of that and realize some of the benefits that some of these pieces of equipment can offer us."
