Mokena Police Adding Drones To Enhance Public Safety Efforts

Press release from the Village of Mokena:

The Mokena Police Department (MPD) will soon be enlisting an additional resource to assist it as it continues in its ongoing quest to serve and protect the Mokena community in the most efficient and effective ways it can.

Following research and a presentation recently by Interim Police Chief Tim McCarthy, Mayor Frank Fleischer and the Village of Mokena Board of Trustees signed off on the purchase of two drones that will be used by the MPD in its efforts to solve crimes and locate missing persons.

Over the past couple of months, drones borrowed from Orland Park have played a key role in at least two cases in which the MPD was called into action.

Chief McCarthy says the two drones purchased will be smaller models with thermal imaging and enhanced optics features. “It is essential to always have two drones at the ready,” says McCarthy. “You always need back-up in case of battery draw-down on one of the birds. This allows the operator to stay on the scene longer, so as the batteries wear down on one drone, the second drone can be activated to the same area to continue operations. Having two drones will additionally allow for parts to be interchanged.”

The two drones together will cost less than $10,000. Asset forfeiture funds will be utilized for the purchase, meaning their acquisition will be possible at no cost to Mokena taxpayers.

This press release was produced by the Village of Mokena. The views expressed are the author's own.