The Law Above: CCSO Drone Unit Keeping Collier Safe

When a woman with a serious medical issue went missing last year, help didn’t just come from deputies on the ground – it came from above. Though he was off duty, Community Service Deputy Quentin Archie didn’t hesitate to respond, deploying his Collier County Sheriff’s Office-issued drone to assist in the nighttime search.

Using the drone’s heat-sensing thermal imaging technology, he located the woman unconscious and hypothermic in a small area of water along a wood line. He then guided deputies on the ground to her location. Deputies delivered her to an EMS crew that was standing by. Thanks to CSD Archie’s drone and observational skills the woman was located, treated at a hospital and has since made a full recovery.

Incidents like this underscore the growing impact of the CCSO Drone Unit and why Sheriff Kevin Rambosk later honored CSD Archie with the agency’s Lifesaving Award for his quick thinking and skill. CCSO has a fleet of drones that can rapidly respond when it might be impractical or unsafe to use a helicopter or a deputy. It’s part of Sheriff Rambosk’s continuing commitment to the community to use the latest technology to help keep Collier County safe.

“Our Drone Unit is a true force multiplier for our deputies and our community,” Sheriff Rambosk said. “It allows us to get eyes on a scene quickly and safely, often before deputies even arrive, while reducing risk to everyone involved.” The unit was formed in 2016. It is made up of 34 FAAcertified pilots from across the agency, including CSD Archie. Each pilot is assigned a drone which they are responsible for maintaining and responding with to calls for service.

Drones are equipped with high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging technology and mapping and modeling software. All of the video and data are fed directly into the CCSO Real-Time Operations Center, allowing ROC analysts and responding units on scene the ability to see exactly what the pilot sees in real time. This enables deputies to assess situations more comprehensively. This capability is particularly valuable in missing person searches, search-and-rescue operations, crime scene investigations, and during large-scale events.

Drones can aid in rapid response times.

In emergencies, deploying a drone can provide a quick and agile means of assessing the extent of a crisis, enabling deputies to respond promptly and effectively. This swift response can be crucial in situations where time is of the essence, such as in the case of traffic accidents, natural disasters, or criminal activities in progress. Drones can work in tandem with a helicopter as well as deploy to multiple locations, providing extra eyes in the sky.

Over the years, the Drone Unit has enabled quicker response times, improved situational awareness, enhanced officer safety, and reduced costs. These benefits have made the agency’s operations more efficient and effective, ultimately helping to make our community safer.

“Whether we’re providing tactical support, searching for a missing child or documenting major events such as a brush fire or the aftermath of a hurricane, these drones enhance safety and give our deputies critical information when it matters most,” Sheriff Rambosk said.

The CCSO Drone Unit enhances situational awareness, search and rescue, and emergency response capabilities. All of the agency’s 34 drone pilots are FAA certified and train on a regular basis.

CCSO continues to look ahead to the future with improved drone technology to even better assist and protect our community.