Drone Unit

In September of 2019 the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office launched the Sheriff’s Office drone program. The Sheriff’s Office partnered with Park National Bank and Duke Energy to secure funding for the purchase of two drones and the training of two deputies to pilot the unmanned aircraft systems or (UAS).  Today, six pilots are assigned duties to the Drone Unit while adding additional drones for extensive search and rescue missions.  Pilots are required to pass an examination through the Federal Aviation Administration and conduct monthly trainings to enhance their skills while operating the controls of a drone.  Since the program’s inception two lives have been potentially saved.  Drones capable of thermal imaging located a missing boy in the woods at night and on another occasion located a lost handicapped adult in a creek bed.   The unit can livestream their flights to search crews and supervisors to allow greater potential for success during any mission.  The unit has the capability to deliver water, a phone or a first aid kit to someone not immediately accessible.   The technology is rapidly growing in the drone industry and the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office is proud to offer and share this technology.