Hollister Police Department debuts new drone program this holiday weekend

HOLLISTER, Calif. (KION) The Hollister Police Department is taking no chances when it comes to illegal fireworks. Not only are they beefing up patrols on the streets this Independence Day weekend, but they are also keeping an eye out from up above, as they debut their new UAV Drone Program.

According to the department, personnel have been working on this for several months, trying to obtain a drone suitable for public safety purposes and forming a Drone Unit.

This weekend, the department says they will be deploying a DJI Mavic Enterprise Dual drone. It’s equipped with infrared technology and a high-definition camera to help in public safety missions.

Police say their drone operators are fully certified by Federal Aviation Administration and all drone flights will be logged and recorded. However, police add that only recordings related to criminal activity will be saved in their evidence system. All other…