2021 Annual Report - Flipbook - Page 11
UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
The Hartford Police Department implemented its 昀椀rst-ever Unmanned Aircraft
Systems (UAS) program in 2021. Four
HPD personnel went through a rigorous
FAA training course and became licensed
UAS pilots. In its 昀椀rst year, the program
saw many successes, including multiple
search and rescue 昀氀ights, one for a missing child in the woods and another along
the banks of the Connecticut River for an
elderly woman.
The program also supported multiple
large-scale events in the city, such as the
Hartford Marathon, where commanders
gained an important visual perspective
of the route and 昀椀nish line when making
logistical and operational decisions. The
unit participated in several auto theft/
ATV operations, supported response to
rooftop calls, and assisted the Hartford
Fire Department with an off-road rollover
of a vehicle. The Crime Scene Division utilized a UAS for the reconstruction of fatal accidents and other crime scenes. The
UAS unit proved to be extremely valuable
in its 昀椀rst year and will continue to be a
success moving forward.
HARTFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT
PAGE 11