Police Department Technology Statement

How We Use Technology to Enhance Community Safety

The Belle Isle Police Department is committed to transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of technology to protect and serve our community. To ensure the highest standards of public safety and trust, we utilize several modern tools — including drones, Flock Safety cameras, and body-worn cameras — in accordance with state and federal laws, department policy, and best practices in policing.

Drones (Unmanned Aerial Systems)

Our drone program enhances our ability to respond quickly and safely to a variety of situations. Drones are used for:

• Search and rescue operations
• Documenting major traffic collisions or crime scenes
• Assisting in disaster response and public safety incidents
• Providing situational awareness during emergencies
  Our drone operators are trained and certified, and all drone deployments are logged, reviewed, and used only for official law enforcement purposes.

Flock Safety Traffic Cameras

Flock Safety cameras are strategically placed to help identify vehicles connected to criminal investigations. These cameras:

• Capture license plate information only — not facial recognition or personal images
• Are used to locate stolen vehicles, identify suspects in crimes, and enhance neighborhood safety
• Retain data for a limited time in accordance with policy and privacy standards
  Access to this data is restricted to authorized personnel and used strictly for legitimate investigative purposes.

Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs)

Every uniformed officer is equipped with a body-worn camera to promote accountability and transparency. BWCs:

• Record interactions between officers and the public to ensure accurate documentation
• Are activated during calls for service, traffic stops, and enforcement encounters
• Follow strict policies regarding when recordings are made, stored, and reviewed

Our Commitment to the Community

The use of these technologies helps us strengthen public trust, improve response times, and increase the safety of both our residents and our officers. We are committed to maintaining clear policies, protecting privacy, and providing the community with information on how these tools are used.

For questions about our technology programs or to review related policies, please contact the Belle Isle Police Department - 407-240-2473.