Menu Close

Drone Unit

The East Providence Police Drone Unit is the specialized tactical and reconnaissance branch responsible for operating the department’s small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). The unit deploys advanced aerial and interior flight technologies to support tactical operations, enhance officer safety, and protect the East Providence community.

Unit Overview

The Drone Unit provides real-time aerial intelligence and interior surveillance during high-risk incidents. By deploying unmanned aircraft, the unit reduces risks to personnel and citizens, acting as a force multiplier for patrol officers, detectives, and specialized response teams.

Highlighted Drone Uses

  • High-Risk Standoffs: Safely scouting barricaded suspects and establishing communications during critical Special Reaction Team (SWAT) responses.
  • Search and Rescue: Locating missing children, vulnerable seniors, or fugitives using specialized thermal-sensing and night-vision capabilities.
  • Interior Building Clearing: Navigating tight, indoor spaces during active tactical situations before sending officers past threshold points.
  • Scene Documentation: Providing rapid forensic mapping and aerial photography for major motor vehicle crashes and active crime scenes.
  • Large Event Monitoring: Enhancing situational awareness and public safety management at high-profile community events and gatherings.

Staffing and Structure

The unit relies on a highly trained, specialized team of remote aviators:

  • 6 Certified Drone Pilots: Every operator holds a commercial Part 107 Remote Pilot License issued directly by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Equipment 

The unit manages a versatile fleet tailored for both outdoor long-range operations and indoor environments:

  • 2 DJI Matrice 30T (M30T) Drones: Equipped with high-resolution thermal and zoom cameras for complex outdoor deployments, searches, and night operations.
  • 1 4TD Drone: Deployed for robust, rapid-response situational monitoring.
  • 2 DJI Avata Interior Operation Drones: Specialized, compact first-person-view (FPV) drones built with guarded propellers for navigating confined indoor structures and barricade scenarios.

Contact and Location

  • Location: East Providence Police Department Headquarters, 750 Waterman Ave, East Providence, RI 02914
  • Phone Number: (401) 435-7600 ext. 161
Drone Unit
Drone Unit
Drone Unit
Drone Unit