Media advisory – News reporters invited to Idaho State Police drone program demonstration, Lewiston, Wednesday, May 24 at 11 a.m.

Media advisory

News reporters invited to Idaho State Police drone program demonstration, Lewiston, Wednesday, May 24 at 11 a.m.

For immediate release, May 23, 2017

Contact:

Tim Marsano

Public Information Officer, Idaho State Police

208.884.7122

tim.marsano@isp.idaho.gov

Who / what: Idaho State Police will demonstrate the capabilities of our drone program, known as the "Small Unmanned Aerial System."

– We use the "DJI Phantom 4 Quadrocopter" at a cost of approximately $1,500 per unit; we own 6 of them.

– ISP has had these in operation for nearly a year in all areas of our state.

– We operate them within legal constraints, which may require obtaining a search warrant.

– All information gathered is subject to rules of evidence and ISP evidence handling procedures.

– Thirteen ISP Troopers around the State of Idaho are licensed by the FAA to operate them.

– After becoming compliant with FAA rules and internal procedures, ISP Troopers use them for several public-safety purposes to include:

— Crash scene investigations – drones have helped us expedite these to get traffic flowing again

— Various crime scene investigations, which could include surveillance

— Search and rescue

— Hazardous materials situations

— Support to other agencies

When: Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 11:00 a.m.

Where: Idaho State Police District 2 Office, 2700 North and South Highway, Lewiston, ID

How: Please come to the front entrance of the building, where you'll be met by an ISP Trooper. Video from the drones will be made available for news media after the event.

###

Posted in District 2 - Central Idaho