As reported yesterday by CBS-affiliate KMOV in St. Louis, first responders in the city of Belleville, Illinois (about 5 miles southeast of St. Louis) used drones to surveil rooftops as part of their investigation of ‘credible threats’ made against students at the Belleville East and Belle West High Schools. The drones provided visual observation to ensure the rooftops were clear. The Belleville Fire Department has been operating drones for two years and has six department members trained in their use. Other applications include searches for missing persons and even delivery of life vests to persons in distress in the water (recall the St. Louis area is situated along the Mississippi River).

With a population of approximately 42,000, Belleville does not have the resources for manned helicopters. The drone shown in the KMOV video clip appeared to be a DJI Inspire 1 that currently retails for approximately $1400 (the upgraded Inspire 2 is approximately $3k). In the hands of properly trained operators, drones are providing much-needed low-cost ‘eyes in the skies.’