From crowd control to accident investigations and more, drones are becoming a key tool in the public safety and law enforcement arsenal. News from DJI all but guarantees you’ll soon be seeing Phantoms with police badges! Here’s the scoop from DJI:
DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, and Axon (Nasdaq: AAXN), the global leader in connected law enforcement technologies, today announced an exclusive partnership, within the digital evidence management industry, to sell DJI drones directly to public safety and law enforcement agencies worldwide through the new Axon Air program. The partnership was announced at the third annual Axon Accelerate conference for more than 1,500 police, security, legal and technology professionals from around the world.
More than 900 American public safety agencies use drones to improve officer safety, support tactical actions, reconstruct traffic collisions, support public safety at large events and perform search-and-rescue missions. At least 130 people around the world have been rescued from peril by drones, proving their value in life-or-death situations.
The Axon Air program allows law enforcement agencies to purchase drones from a trusted partner and links DJI’s drone technology with Axon’s connected data network and Evidence.com services – the same platform that more than 200,000 public safety professionals use today. Evidence.com provides the same rigorous data management system, chain-of-custody controls and security protocols that law enforcement agencies rely on to preserve and protect data from body cameras and in-car video systems. Within Evidence.com the integrity of drone videos is preserved for the protection of police agencies and the public they serve. Drones currently available for sale through the Axon Air program include: Phantom 4 Pro and Matrice 210.
“As the requirements and demands of unmanned aircraft programs grow, Axon is partnering with agencies to build out solutions that meet the complexities and requirements of public safety,” says Axon’s EVP of Worldwide Products, Todd Basche. “Together, we will focus on creating situational awareness, advanced evidence collection and program management tools that will allow agencies to manage their drone program alongside their body camera and in-car video systems.”
“DJI’s partnership with Axon allows law enforcement agencies to add drone capabilities and data services through the same trusted provider they rely on for the tools, data and support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Michael Perry, Managing Director of North America at DJI. “Law enforcement agencies are rapidly adopting drones for their work, and often need guidance on how to establish a drone program and integrate it into their departments. DJI’s Axon Air partnership will strengthen and enhance law enforcement’s ability to protect public safety, respond to emergencies and save lives.”
Axon will partner with public safety agencies to identify the solutions that meet the demands of their communities and will bring drone video into the Axon Network of people, devices and apps. Interested agencies should reach out to their Axon sales representatives to learn more about how they can adopt this technology today.
