New Police Drone Quickly Locates Missing Autistic Child: Authorities

GURNEE, IL — The Gurnee Police Department has launched its drone as a first responder program, which is meant to be a cutting-edge initiative designed to enhance public safety by reducing response times and providing real-time situational awareness during emergencies.

The program officially launched on Aug. 22 and integrates advanced drone technology directly into frontline emergency response.

Police said that during its first two weeks, the "drone proved its value in two critical incidents."

The drone helped officers quickly track down and arrest a hit-and-run drunken driver by providing real-time aerial support. In another case, the drone located a missing autistic child within minutes.

While officers needed more than ten minutes to reach the child on foot by navigating down railroad tracks and through dense brush, the drone’s quick detection made a safe recovery possible. These examples demonstrate how drones strengthen emergency response capabilities, enabling officers to respond more efficiently and safely by deploying advanced technology directly to the scene, according to a news release.

How the Program Works

The Drone as a First Responder program differs from traditional police drone programs, which rely on officers carrying drones in squad cars and manually launching them. Gurnee’s DFR drone is housed in a secure, climate-controlled docking station on top of the Gurnee Fire Department, where it remains charged, weather-protected, and ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.

The program is powered through a partnership with Paladin Drones, a company specializing in drone technology designed specifically for law enforcement, according to a news release. Paladin’s platform allows the Gurnee Police Department to safely manage drone operations remotely, stream live video in real-time, track mission activity, and ensure compliance and performance on every flight.

When a call for service is received, an officer inside the station can simply select a location on a digital map, prompting the drone to launch autonomously and fly directly to the scene. Because the system is authorized to fly beyond the operator’s visual line of sight, the drone can cover a much larger area of the village than traditional drones, arriving at incidents faster and providing support across more calls.

Within seconds of takeoff, live video feeds are streamed to responding officers and command staff, providing critical information such as crowd size, vehicle descriptions, or potential hazards before they even arrive on the scene, police said.

Combined with its ability to withstand challenging weather, fly for extended periods, and track vehicles or individuals safely, the DFR system provides a level of speed, reliability, and intelligence unmatched by conventional drone programs.

Drone Details

The Gurnee Police Department is deploying the DJI M30T, a state-of-the-art public safety drone equipped with advanced features, including:

• Top speed of over 50 mph, allowing it to reach most areas of Gurnee within minutes.
• Thermal and night vision cameras ensure visibility in low-light or obscured conditions.
• A 16x optical zoom camera, capable of capturing clear details from a safe distance.
• 40-minute flight time, enabling extended aerial coverage during complex incidents.
• Automated tracking technology for safety monitoring vehicles or individuals.

This aircraft is the third drone in the Gurnee Police Department’s fleet.

The department has maintained a drone program since 2016, using technology to enhance public safety and support officers in the field. The DJI M30T functions as the Drone as a First Responder (DFR), delivering aerial coverage and real-time intelligence during emergency situations. In addition, a patrol officer is equipped with a mobile drone, stored in the squad car, which can be deployed upon arrival at a scene, according to the news release.

A third, smaller drone is specifically designed for operations in buildings or confined spaces. Together, these three drones provide officers with versatile tools to collect critical information, enhance operational effectiveness, and ensure safety across a wide range of situations.

In addition to its advanced camera and tracking features, the DJI M30T is designed to withstand the challenges of real-world operations, police said. Built to handle the elements, the drone can fly in rain, snow, wind, and across a wide range of temperatures, making it a reliable tool in every season.

The drone’s durability and ability to operate in less-than-ideal conditions provide the department with a dependable resource during severe weather events, natural disasters, and other critical incidents where traditional response methods may be hindered.

Safety & Privacy

The Gurnee Police Department is committed to using drone technology responsibly and with full transparency in accordance with the Drone as a First Responder statute. Key safeguards include:

• The DFR may be used for 911 emergency calls, locating missing persons, and special events. No routine patrols or random flights.
• Strict compliance with FAA regulations, ensuring safe operation in local airspace.
• The department has eighteen trained and certified operators, all of whom have completed FAA Part 107 certification.
• Footage will only be used for legitimate public safety purposes, with policies in place to ensure accountability and maintain community trust.

Benefits for the Community

The Drone as a First Responder Program provides multiple advantages for Gurnee residents and visitors, including:

• Faster situational awareness for emergency responders.
• Enhanced safety for residents, visitors, and officers.
• Improved outcomes during critical incidents such as missing persons or active threats.
• Reduced response times, ensuring faster help when seconds matter.