Drone Footage Key in Assault Conviction as Montgomery County’s DFR Program Demonstrates Impact on Evidence Collection and Situational Awareness
by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNabb
A press release issued today by the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office touted the first conviction as a result of their Drone as First Responder (DFR) program after a jury found Jovan Ali guilty of second-degree assault, stemming from an incident in April. Key to the prosecution was footage gathered by Raven 1 that showed Ali taking out a knife at the intersection of Georgia and Sligo in Silver Spring before stabbing his victim, leading to his hospitalization.
The DFR program features two drones that are operated from 911 dispatch, and according to publicly available data, has been used in over 1500 calls. Montgomery County PD have highlighted the effectiveness of the program, believing that it helps manage police resources more effectively, increase situational awareness and aid in the crucial evidence-gathering process.
“The drone video evidence in this case was critical for the State. We would not have been able to prove the defendant’s guilt without it. The value of this technology is immeasurable when it comes to public safety. It is a game-changer within the criminal justice system. We are grateful to Montgomery County Police for their advocacy and implementation of the Drone as a First Responder program,” said State’s Attorney John McCarthy.
Montgomery County Police Captain Nicholas Picerno, who leads the Special Operations Division, highlighted the success of the program. “The Drone as First Responder program has proven to be a transformative tool for the Montgomery County Police Department,” said Picerno. “It allows us to respond more quickly, enhance situational awareness, and ultimately increase the safety of officers and community members.” “In this case, the drone footage was invaluable in securing the conviction. This technology is a major asset to our operations, providing capabilities that were previously unimaginable,” he added. “This is another example of how officers, supplied with real-time intelligence, make better informed decisions.”
The original press release, along with more information about the DFR program, is available here.
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Read more:
- Campbell Police Department Secures 24/7 Waiver for Drone as First Responder Program
- Court Ruling on Police Drone Footage: A Shift in Public Record Norms
- Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office to Launch Drones-as-First-Responder Program in The Woodlands
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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