Fayetteville police are employing the use of drones as a new way to keep the public safe.
The Fayetteville Police Department recently launched an aviation unit, comprised of several officers trained to use Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SAUS).
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The drones will be used in several public safety operations, including searches for missing people, searches for suspects fleeing from officers, assistance with swift water rescues and supply drops following natural disasters.
"They give you a view that you just don't have on the ground. You can see a larger area and you can see it truly unobstructed," Maj. James Nolette said
According to Officer Kelton Florfield, the drones can fly day or night and can be quicker in locating people whose movement may be erratic.
Fayetteville police have already used the drones to locate wanted suspects, including a suspect who fled on foot during a traffic stop, ran into a swampy area and wound up stuck in silt in the bed of a creek.
The aviation unit was able to locate the suspect within five minutes of arriving at the scene, leading officers to the suspect, police said.
The department currently has two Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems- one that is 18 inches wide and another that is 6 feet wide and can deliver packages, such as food, water or life jackets, weighing up to 25 pounds.
"The actual real-world application of these drones is endless," Nolette said. "We would have loved to have them during Hurricane Matthew. Instead of sending people into areas to search, we could have flown over a specific area."
The drones can also be used to take forensic photographs of crime scenes, police said.
Ten officers are currently certified the drones and two officers are required to operate the device at any one time.
The drones cost $92,000 to purchase, and the expense was funded through drug forfeitures.
Police said the drones would not be used during vehicle pursuits, to assist in issuing traffic citations or for routine patrols.