NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames viewing a demonstration of one of the drones. Photos: Donovan McIntosh/Tribune Staff
By EARYEL BOWLEG
Tribune Staff Reporter
ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames attended drone testing at the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Coral Harbour Base yesterday, which will be rolled out in law enforcement agencies soon.
The minister and some law enforcement officials saw a demonstration of one of the aerial vehicles that will be a part of the drones programme. It was noted that the drones will be used by the prison and detention centre. Mr Dames said the initial contract was for 57 drones and they are for multiple uses.
“This is going to be a very, very good tool, for example, for police officers,” the minister said. “You not only have a police car on mobile patrol, now you can imagine having a drone that is smart enough to detect a gunshot and that is agile enough to manoeuvre to the scene of a crime and pick up a suspect vehicle speeding away from that crime and being able to track that vehicle until it is intercepted?
“This year you know once our officers would’ve been trained in customs, in the police, and the defence force...this will be a very, very important tool in the fight against crime. For example, committing crime will be that much more difficult.”
The drone demonstrated yesterday can stay airborne for eight hours at a minimum.
As for how soon the drones will be used, Mr Dames replied “very soon”.
“I’m expecting some time this quarter and I hope to have a meeting very shortly with the team to get a more definitive timetable on when we can begin to roll out, to phase and we’re looking at a phased roll out, will be the ideal thing so that we can begin.”
Comments
tribanon 3 years, 3 months ago
All 57 of these drones will have crashed over the next few months with the money paid for them going up in smoke.
DDK 3 years, 3 months ago
😂🤣😂🤣😂
Amused 3 years, 3 months ago
They act as if drones are new or something. Also didn't the police have drones before these contracts were signed? As I've seen some in police stock photos posted to this site before
bogart 3 years, 3 months ago
Seems all the direction of the Police Force is in buying devices and program in dealing with crime After the dangerous usually lives being shot damages done. The methods just seem old fashioned even though using new technology.
To put a dent into the Crime instead of using cameras, speeding Police cars, Ambulance showing up, Funeral car collecting dead victims at crime scene.....there should be Police investing into areas like high qualified Police Officers questioning alleged criminals in those Police questioning offices, booths, with one way mirrors wall with officers being observing, there should be more use of highly trained Canine Division to have dogs sniff out drugs, weapons etc, there should be more emphasis on Detectives, to investigate gangs, continuous flow of illegal guns etc. on this small island. There should be investigations following leads to prevent etc. Impossible all these years never broken open criminal gangs, human traffickings operators etcetc.
All these years its time to put a stop or dent to Crime BEFORE it occurs than emphasis to dealing with Crime AFTER it happens.
hrysippus 3 years, 3 months ago
This polico is boring, he just drones on and on.......
shonkai 3 years, 3 months ago
More technology to not maintain and let drop out of the skies. It’s raining drones, halleluja!!!
The_Oracle 3 years, 3 months ago
AIn't no kickbacks in police salaries, contracts is where it is at.
John 3 years, 3 months ago
The drone demonstrated yesterday can stay airborne for eight hours at a minimum
So once a drone is dispatched it must remain airborne for eight hours minimum.
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