The UAS program was implemented as a way for officers to search large areas more efficiently. This is critical during 
missing person investigations where time and weather are critical factors. The UAS i
s equipped with thermal imaging capabilities that allow the operator to detect people in areas not accessible to officers or during night time hours when visibility is limited by conventional lighting. The most common applications are locating missing/lost children and elderly residents/patients who have walked away from home or care facilities. Additional uses include the ability to map large crime scenes and vehicle crash scenes as well as overwatch of special operations and training exercises. The department has three FAA certified UAS pilots who train on a regular basis.