By: Christina Rodriguez
FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Fresno County deputies are turning to new technology both in the skies and on the ground to fight crime more effectively and keep the community safe.
The Sheriff’s Office trains deputies once a month, to use drones that provide a 360-degree view during searches. Deputies say the equipment is faster, safer, and less expensive than using a helicopter.
“Maybe we’re looking for that person that’s hiding under a tree, under bushes, things like that. Their heat signature does appear even onto the drone without being able to see the person,” said Deputy, Todd Talent with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.
The drones are becoming a valuable tool at a time when staffing is limited. Deputies say the devices give them a critical advantage in locating suspects and assessing situations before they go in.
“It gives us things to look at before we go in so that we can determine the right way to go in and hopefully that’s safer for our deputies and a whole lot safer for the community,” said Talent.
On the ground, deputies are also using a platform called Mark43, which provides real-time information through in-car computers. The system allows dispatch to share critical details before deputies arrive on scene.
“You have your in-car computer—whether it’s in your police car or for firefighters—that’s what Mark43 is. And it also includes records management, including physical property and evidence,” said Mark 43, Chief Technology Officer, Kevin Fray.
The technology cuts down on hours of paperwork and integrates with new Axel body cameras that can translate languages in the field.
Sheriff’s officials say these tools aren’t replacing law enforcement but enhancing it—helping deputies work more efficiently and providing faster, more accurate information to protect the community.
Original Story: https://kmph.com/news/local/from-the-sky-to-the-streets-fresno-county-deputies-use-tech-to-crack-down-on-crime
