MONROE, La. – The Monroe City Council has recently given its approval for the Monroe Police Department (MPD) to introduce a cutting-edge drone as part of its first responder program. This new initiative, developed in collaboration with Motorola Solutions, is set to roll out in 2026, offering enhanced capabilities for responding to emergencies and ensuring public safety.
The drone is designed to quickly reach scenes where officers may face delays, providing real-time video footage and critical details from areas that are otherwise hard to access. Monroe Police Chief Vic Zordan emphasizes the technology's significant role in bolstering community safety, with the drone equipped for a variety of functions.
"It's equipped with a powerful light, a distinct red beacon, and can even assist with silver alerts," Chief Zordan explains. "For instance, if a person with dementia goes missing, the drone can help us track them down quickly." He further highlights the importance of this new tool as a "force multiplier" that enhances the department’s operational efficiency. "It makes our job easier and helps keep Monroe's citizens safe. We’ve already seen its success with our SWAT teams and in search and rescue operations."
The process to fully integrate the drone into daily operations will take approximately four months. Chief Zordan notes that if this pilot program proves successful, additional drones may be introduced to further expand the department’s capabilities.