Texas police department to introduce autonomous drone pilot program: 'An eye in the sky'
SUMMARY
The Bee Cave Police Department in Texas is set to introduce an autonomous drone pilot program, known as "AV8," designed to assist in responding to emergency calls. The program will utilize drones built by Austin-based startup eve Vehicles, providing real-time aerial surveillance to officers before they arrive on the scene. Chief of Police Brian Jones stated that the program is a "force multiplier," giving the department an advantage with faster response times and enhanced situational awareness. The AV8 drones are capable of flying autonomously to designated locations, with routes pre-programmed along roads and highways. Once on-site, a pilot takes over to gather more detailed information through the drone’s live video feed, which is then transmitted to dispatch, patrol cars, and officers' smartphones. The AV8 program is expected to deploy in the coming weeks, with future plans for additional features, including night vision and a parachute safety system.
