Marty Gordon
NRVsports@mainstreetnewspapers.com
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department has received a Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services grant in the amount of $22,674 to purchase a multi-use drone.
According to the Drone Pilot Gound School program, as drones have become more accessible and affordable, drones for police use have become integral to policing strategies, helping law enforcement agencies tackle challenges that would otherwise require more time, resources, and personnel.
In most cases, the drones include thermal imaging and a camera.
Drone usage is rapidly increasing amongst law enforcement across Virginia with many adopting the idea of “drone as first responder” (DFR) programs to boost safety, improve response times and manage staff shortages. Those initiatives include utilizing AI-powered drones and thermal imaging for tactical support.
Last year, 2025 was described as the year DFR program went mainstream with FAA rule changes accelerating adoption. Drones can also be utilized for, but not limited to, search warrants, crash investigations and monitoring medical emergencies. Law enforcement have argued these tools provide essential real-time, high-definition or thermal imaging data that enhances, rather them replaces, human officers.
Also, last year, Virginia launched a first-of-its-kind drone grant program to help local agencies to replace foreign-made drones with secure, U.S. manufactured alternatives.
The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services recently announced a total of 46 localities to receive this year’s grant. Radford City and Radford University both received similar grants.
Virginia is now the second state to implement a state-level funding program for drone replacement plan. In 2023, Florida implemented a $25 million program.
The total amount in Virginia is capped at $2 million with the Virginia State Police receiving the major chunk of the balance at $1 million.
Under Virginia Code, law enforcement must obtain a search warrant prior to drone deployment unless an exigent circumstance exists like tracking down a suspect, finding a missing person or to alleviate the immediate danger to any person.
