APD introducing drones to map out crash scenes

The Austin Police Department will soon begin using drones to help investigate fatal crashes.

The aircraft will provide a different perspective to accident scenes giving officers a bird's eye view of the scene. APD command staff believe the aircraft will help them investigate faster, and clear up roads quicker. Currently, officers use point and shoot laser technology on the ground to map scenes.

APD Lieutenant Blake Johnson said the mapping software provides accuracy which can make a big difference in criminal cases. "A fatal crash scene is unique it's different from any other crash scene because it's on a high speed roadway time is of the essence we are working in a very dangerous environment.  I would employ anyone who wants to know more about this to seek out the input sessions. We will have a more detailed synopsis of what we are doing," said Johnson. 

Johnson said hundreds of police departments across the country are currently using drones. 

The Austin Fire Department has been using drones for more than a year to search for hot spots and also search for missing people. 

Before APD launches its two drones APD will hold three public information sessions about the police department using drones. The first public forum will be held at the Westin Hotel at the Domain, located 11301 Domain Dr., at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 28.

The second will be at the APD South Substation, located at 404 Ralph Ablanedo Dr., at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 29. The third will be held at the APD East Substation, located at 812 Springdale Rd., at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 5.