A recent article in Line/Shape/Space outlined some of the history and benefits of drones in police work. However, there is more potential to be gained; not only can a drone observe a crime scene and assist in tracking criminals, but if it can get to the scene faster than a vehicle – it could significantly assist in locating the criminal near the scene, or assisting the police in sending the right number and type of units to assist. With the PROWL system, police drones could make their way to the scene quickly, and then stay over the area, with more confidence that when their camera is looking at the ground, the drone would automatically be able to keep away from hazards and objects.
In conjunction with a drone air traffic control system (or swarm control system between drones), multiple drones could be over a scene at the same time, and avoid each other, as well as overhead powerlines, antennas and high buildings.