Monroe County Commission acquires drones for Sheriff's Office use for public safety
UNION, WV (WVNS) — The Monroe County Commission announced hat two state-of-the-art drones have been acquired for the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.
According to a press release, the acquisition serves as a major investment in community safety. The purchase, funded by Opioid Settlement Funds and not taxpayer money, involves a compact DJI model drone for small spaces, as well as a larger unit with advanced technology.
They will be used to increase the Sheriff's Office's ability in performing search and rescue operations, drug reconnaissance, response to active shooter incidents and more, the release stated. The purchase demonstrates Monroe County's continued dedication to using new technology to help them protect citizens and improve the safety of their deputies.
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The DJI model is made to be precise and agile in confined environments, making it a great tool for situations that are high-risk. It can navigate spaces such as house trailers, school hallways, or commercial buildings, the release stated. In a scenario in which an armed suspect barricades them inside a mobile home, deputies can use the DJI drone to scout the inside and locate the suspect without putting deputies at risk. In an active shooter scenario, it can provide visuals of classrooms and hallways, enabling deputies to gather intelligence and assess the threat to coordinate responses with minimal risk of danger, the release noted.
The other drone, a larger model, has more advanced features such as high-definition and infrared cameras, a floodlight and a payload delivery system. The infrared cameras can detect heat signatures, making it helpful in search and rescue missions, the release stated. The high-definition cameras provide detailed visuals for drug reconnaissance, affording deputies the ability to monitor remote areas for drug trafficking without notifying suspects.
The floodlight can be used to illuminate crime scenes, improving visibility for deputies. The drone is also capable of dropping food and water, as well as medical supplies, which can be lifesaving in situations that call for it, such as a hiker becoming stranded.
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As they were purchased through Opioid Settlement Funds, the drones directly address the crisis within Monroe County.
These drones will play a critical role in combating opioid-related crime, from reconnaissance of drug trafficking sites to rescuing individuals affected by substance abuse in remote areas. By using settlement funds, we're turning a tragic epidemic into an opportunity to save lives and protect our community, all while keeping our deputies out of harm's way.
Sheriff Mike Heller
The drones are versatile, making them useful beyond drug enforcement in Monroe County. During search and rescue situations, the larger drone's infrared capabilities can help locate missing children and elderly residents in rural places, even in poor weather conditions, the release stated. During active shooter situations, aerial footage can allow deputies to neutralize threats more efficiently. The floodlight and high-definition cameras also assist investigations by illuminating and documenting crime scenes more in-depth, keeping evidence in-tact for prosecution.
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This investment reflects Monroe County's commitment to embracing advanced technology toenhance public safety. The drones will not only improve our Sheriff's Office's response to emergencies but also strengthen our community's resilience. We're grateful to use Opioid Settlement Funds to address both the opioid crisis and broader safety needs without burdening taxpayers.
Jeremy Meadows | Monroe County Clerk
The Monroe County Commission sees the drone acquisition as part of a strategy to implement innovative solutions into their operations. From supporting fire services with levy funds to investing in the community, they continue to implement technology-based solutions that improve the safety of their residents.
'These drones are a game-changer for Monroe County. They empower our Sheriff's Office to protect our citizens more effectively while keeping our deputies safe. This is another step in our mission to make Monroe County a safer, stronger community, and we're proud to fund it through opioid settlement resources.'
Melvin Young | President, Monroe County Commission
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The drones will undergo training and certifications, making sure that deputies are able to operate them properly and that they comply with local and federal regulations. The Sheriff's Office will also put into place privacy protocols that align with federal privacy laws and state regulations, the release stated.
Residents are encouraged to discover more about the initiative at the next Commission meeting or by reaching out to the County Clerk's Office.
We're not just investing in technology; we're investing in the future of our community. These drones will save lives, reduce crime, and make Monroe County a safer place for all.
Sheriff Mike Heller
For more information regarding the intiative, contact Jeremy Meadows, Monroe County Clerk, at 304-772-3096 ext. 3 or via email.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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