Month: January 2024

TAKING FLIGHT: MEET THE TEAM CONTROLLING THE DRONES AT LCSD

Law enforcement agencies began using drones for surveillance and various operational purposes in the early 2000s. Initially, drones were primarily used for military applications, but their adoption by law enforcement expanded as technology advanced and became more accessible.

In 2023, 61 percent of the police departments in South Carolina used drones, with 93 percent of those departments expecting their programs to grow. 

In the ever-evolving landscape of law enforcement, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department has taken a bold step into the future with its innovative Drone Unit. At the forefront of this groundbreaking initiative is Investigator Bryan Senn, a Certified Part 107 Operator and a key member of the LCSD Drone Unit. 

To dive deeper into the role of drones in law enforcement and their impact on the Lexington County community, we asked Inv. Senn a bit more about being a core member of the Drone Unit.

What is a Certified Part 107 Operator?

A Certified Part 107 Operator is more than just a drone enthusiast; it’s a professional designation granted by the Federal Aviation Administration. Senn, having successfully navigated the challenging certification process, stands as a testament to the dedication and expertise required for this role. 

To obtain this certification, aspiring operators undergo a rigorous testing process that dives deep into aircraft knowledge, terminology and safety procedures. Senn describes the exam as one of the most demanding he’s faced, requiring a deep understanding of runway directions, weather codes and aviation language. 

As a small unmanned aircraft systems, often referred to by the acronym SUAS, operator, Senn emphasizes the importance of this knowledge in ensuring the safety of both drone operators and traditional pilots. The FAA recognizes drones as aircrafts, highlighting the pivotal role SUAS operators play in the world of aviation.

Why did Senn choose this career path?

Senn’s love for technology and a keen interest in the evolving field of law enforcement inspired him to become a drone operator.
Bryan states joining this unit at LCSD “was a way to contribute and be on the cutting edge of technology and law enforcement” and would allow him to be part of “the next wave of the future” since there are many benefits to drone operations. 

Being a drone operator offers a multi-faceted opportunity to enhance law enforcement efforts. 

Senn says he “tells people all the time [that they] aren’t replacing boots on the ground, [rather they are] helping them do their jobs better”. 

With this said, Senn stresses the role is complementary, not a replacement for traditional law enforcement methods. Drone operators act as an extra set of eyes in the sky, providing valuable assistance in various scenarios, from searching for missing persons to supporting the K-9 unit in high-risk situations. 

How has the Drone Unit at Lexington County Sheriff’s Department evolved?

The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Drone Unit officially took flight in late 2021, with roots in the SWAT Unit’s use of smaller drones. Senn explains their journey began with four certified pilots and has since expanded to eight collateral positions, showcasing the unit’s growth and adaptability.

Senn shares “flying an SUAS or SUAV is a perishable skill. If you set down the controller for long enough, it’s like trying to learn it all over again”.

Continuous learning is a cornerstone of the Drone Unit’s success. In-house training, collaboration with other agencies, and leveraging FAA educational resources keep the unit aware of the latest technologies and best practices. 

What technologies does the Drone Unit work with?

The LCSD Drone Unit operates a diverse fleet, from indoor drones assigned to the SWAT Unit to large search and rescue drones. Equipped with zoom lenses and thermal capabilities, these drones empower the unit to swiftly and efficiently gather crucial data. 

Live-streaming services and tracking programs further enhance the unit’s capabilities, providing real-time insights during operations. The integration of technology allows for precise geographic location pinpointing, saving valuable time and energy. 

What does success look like as a Certified Part 107 Operator?

Reflecting on the successes of the Drone Unit, Senn highlights his role in assisting the K-9 Unit during tracks, specifically the use of thermal cameras and how they offer unique perspectives, ultimately contributing to successful mission outcomes. 

“There’s been a lot of success as a Certified Part 107 Operator,” says Senn. “My role is more of an assisting collateral duty assignment, so a lot of it has been helping overwatch K-9 on tracks. A lot of the time, we are using thermal cameras, so we see a heat source and give the K-9 Unit a heads up”. 

As the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Drone Unit continues to evolve and demonstrate its capabilities, Senn is excited about the untapped potential within the career and community as a whole. The implementation of drone technology continues to grow and redefine what’s possible in law enforcement to ensure a safer community for all.

Recent Blogs

Recent Jobs

JOIN THE ELITE CRISIS NEGOTIATION UNIT; WHERE COMPASSION MEETS SKILL

Are you seeking a role that pushes your boundaries, tests your abilities and places you at the forefront of resolving intense situations? Then look no further. The Crisis Negotiation Unit at the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department could be the team for you, where adrenaline meets empathy, and every negotiation is a chance to make a life-changing difference. 

Right now, around the world, countless negotiations are underway, and the results will influence life and death. 

“Our crisis negotiator unit’s top priority is de-escalating volatile life and death incidents. They use negotiation tactics to prevent injury or death during armed standoffs, suicide attempts, hostage situations, kidnappings and other high-pressure responses,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. “As certified law enforcement officers who take on this role as a collateral duty, they train in basic crisis negotiation fundamentals, case studies and scenario-based exercises. The unit is an important part of our efforts to protect our community.”

WHY CRISIS NEGOTIATION?

On average, 35 percent of crisis negotiation calls take between two-four hours.

“It’s been challenging, but in a good way. If we talk about good stress and bad stress, then it is good stress!” says Cameron Sherban, an officer of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Crisis Negotiation Unit. Although this unit’s actions are highly pressured, the time and efforts to resolve critical circumstances are very rewarding.

With their effective listening skills, patience, adaptability and determination, crisis negotiators can take complex situations and work through them in ways that not only benefit subjects and victims, but the community as a whole.  

Jason Willoughby from South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy emphasizes the essence of these skills, stating, “Having the skills and ability to bring someone back to rationale, to a sense of normalcy, and to have a circumstance end peacefully, is everything that a law enforcement officer hopes for.”

Sherban sheds light on the urgency of the role, explaining how negotiators must grasp what a person needs to peacefully resolve a situation. He emphasizes the pivotal role of de-escalation, highlighting how crucial it is to bring individuals out of a crisis state before productive communication can occur. 

Although they hope their skills are rarely needed, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Crisis Negotiators stand ready when the call comes. The training, dedication and compassion instilled in every negotiator ensure they are equipped to handle any crisis with precision and empathy.

Joining the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Crisis Negotiation Unit isn’t just a career choice; it’s an opportunity to be part of a select group dedicated to making a positive impact. If you’re someone who thrives under pressure, values empathy and seeks to be at the forefront of resolving critical incidents, visit the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department website to browse current jobs and apply online today. 

At the heart of the Crisis Negotiation Unit is the comprehensive 40-hour certification course, a training program that equips negotiators with the tools and strategies to defuse crises. As explained by Willoughby, this training is critical in learning how to compromise – a skill indispensable in navigating tense circumstances. 

In addition to the Crisis Negotiation Unit, you can explore other law enforcement divisions and opportunities available within the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department; there’s a place for every individual driven by a passion for serving and protecting the Lexington County community.

Recent Blogs

Recent Jobs