LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Little Rock Police Department is using drones to help solve crimes.
For over a year, LRPD has initiated the Small Unmanned Aircrafts Unit, which consists of two drones and six pilots.
"Technology is the wave of the future no matter who you are employed with," LRPD Lt. Brittany Gunn said.
A few months ago, Little Rock police used a drone to arrest a suspect stealing a car before attempting to run away.
That person was caught and charged in the incident.
"Anytime we hear the call of a suspect fleeing from officers, or missing persons being a small child or an elderly person with some type of mental deficiency, we will deploy our drone to maximize the results with the equipment we acquired," Gunn said.
The drones have a thermal view, allowing for nighttime flight and a new perspective from the ground.
The drones are also used at the Arkansas State Fair. Officers said last year, they were able to mitigate fighting and help find a lost child.
"Using technology to better our job, and better police citizens, and just help people," Gunn said.
Each pilot must pass a class and several hours of flight training before getting their drone certificate.