TECH GIVES WEST CHESTER POLICE AN EDGE

one of the biggest advantages is in the investigation of automobile crashes – something that we experience regularly,” Chief Herzog said. “Our drones are able to take very detailed measurements and map a scene which can then be used to recreate the circumstances of the crash. The crash scene investigation used to take officers many hours, but the drones shave significant time off that process allowing us to reopen roadways much faster.”

The Flock camera system – license plate readers – will create a virtual net around the community providing added protection from criminals.

The West Chester Police Department is using technology to make our community safer and make law enforcement more efficient. A drone unit has already been deployed and more license plate readers will come in the next few months to support law enforcement efforts.

The West Chester Police Department drone unit includes several officers trained and licensed to fly drones that can help make a difference in calls involving barricaded suspects, searches for suspects and critical missing people, as well as investigating traffic crash scenes.

“Drones can make our work safer and more efficient,” said Police Chief Joel Herzog. “We’ve already deployed this technology in many different circumstances and will be adding more qualified pilots among our patrol units so the drones can be used whenever and wherever they’re needed.”

Police drones have technology on board to visualize a situation from the air during daylight and night time, communicate with an individual and map an accident or crime scene. The police department drone can also be used for fire response using infrared technology that could locate a fire victim in need of rescue.

“There are a lot of great uses for the drones, but

Most Important Thing to Do Today

At the top of every “to do” list should be simple tasks that can mean the difference between life and death for your family.

“We just can’t say it often enough,” said West Chester Fire Chief Rick Prinz. “Have working smoke detectors in your home, test them frequently and make a plan for escape.”

Synthetic materials and open floor plans in today’s homes and businesses, present the perfect storm for quick escalation of a fire. A person has only about three minutes from the start of a fire to safely escape.

The critical life-saving message from the West Chester Fire Department is start planning now by developing a Home Escape Plan and regularly practicing your plan. Making simple adjustments at home or work today can mean all the difference in the event of a fire emergency.

• Review and practice your fire escape plans

• Install working smoke detectors on every level of your home or building.

The fixed cameras at key locations in the community can serve as a force multiplier to prevent and solve crime without impacting the privacy and protections of the general public. Flock cameras will alert patrol officers when stolen vehicles, cars associated with wanted felons, and cars sought by AMBER and SILVER alerts enter West Chester. Some West Chester Police cruisers are already equipped with mobile license plates readers. These new fixed units provide an extra layer of protection for the community. The Flock cameras use artificial intelligence to identify cars by make, color, and other features. This will help detectives solve crimes. “Private surveillance cameras and witnesses often observe vehicle descriptions at crime scenes. Flock cameras will now allow us to identify the license plate associated with these observed vehicles and generate leads to solve crimes. This will be a game changer,” Chief Herzog said.

West Chester Police will enforce strict policies regarding how the cameras are to be used in order to protect privacy of those living and visiting the community. A separate cause, other than the Flock camera hit, will be required for a traffic stop and searches will be limited only to open cases or calls to law enforcement.

• Test all fire safety devices (smoke/carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers) regularly including changing the batteries if your devices have replaceable batteries

• Replace all fire safety devices (smoke/carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers) per manufacturer’s recommendations

• Remove any obstruction (bushes, trees, plants, etc) to fire hydrants and report any hydrant issues

• Complete basic fire extinguisher training

The West Chester Fire Department is here to help. Please don’t hesitate to Contact Fire & EMS by calling (513) 777-1113 for assistance with any of these prevention efforts.