BCSO to Launch Drone Program

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... a Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office drone. 

BCSO announced on Wednesday that the department will be launching a drone program starting next week. The program will add 30 drones to the departments fleet. 

"We are excited to add drones to our tool belt and provide enhanced safety  and support to our community," Sheriff John Allen said in a statement. "Our mission is to protect and serve the people of Bernalillo County and this drone program will help us accomplish that mission. " 

The drones will aid deputies in traffic crash reconstruction, drag racing, SWAT operations and forensic investigations.  BCSO's open space unit will be able to utilize the drones for lost and injured persons operations. 

BCSO said that the drone program will enhance the departments capabilities to quickly  respond to dangerous situations. The drones will be able to live stream footage to deputies before they reach a scene to prove them with situational awareness. 

"BCSO is committed to working with the community to create a safer environment for all residents. By increasing its presence with both deputies on the streets and eyes in the sky, BCSO is enhancing its efforts to serve the community and provide protection for all." The department said in a press release.