Chelan County Sheriff’s Office acquires drone tracking technology for event safety

CHELAN COUNTY — Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has added a Dronetag RIDER to its Drone Team. The technology is intended to increase safety during large gatherings.

The portable device provides real-time detection and tracking of nearby drones and, with the Dronetag application, offers information such as a drone’s location, flight path, speed, heading and available operator takeoff location. Detection information is logged to provide documentation that could assist with follow-up investigations.

According to CCSO, unauthorized or suspicious drone activity is an emerging public-safety concern, particularly during large gatherings such as parades, sporting events, festivals, and community celebrations. By incorporating the technology into event security planning, CCSO hopes to enhance its ability to detect, assess, document and appropriately respond to potentially suspicious activity before it develops into a greater threat. The agency describes the technology as an additional tool for complementing traditional law-enforcement practices while reflecting CCSO’s mission to “responsibly adopt technology that improves situational awareness, supports deputies in the field, and enhances the safety of residents and visitors.”

“As law enforcement continues to face new challenges in the modern age, we have a responsibility to evaluate technology that can make our communities safer,” said Chief Ryan Moody. “The Dronetag RIDER gives our personnel another resource to help maintain awareness and make informed decisions while providing professional service to the community.”