Drone Resource

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), or simply drones provide capabilities that no other SAR resource can match: rapid aerial coverage of inaccessible terrain, real-time video feed to command staff, thermal imaging at night, and the ability to be airborne within minutes of arrival.

A UAV multiplies the effectiveness of ground teams, K9, bikes, and other search resources by providing information faster and from angles otherwise unavailable. The goal is always the same: find missing people faster and more safely while increasing the safety of searchers and the general public.

Missing Subjects  

Drones have unique view angles, quick access, low effort for high yield, thermal capabilities, integration into SAR mapping tools, and computer-assisted color and anomaly detection. All of these factors make drones very useful when searching for missing people.

Evidence Searches

Drones require low manpower relative to the ground assets that would be required to search a similar amount of terrain. They can also perform autonomous grid flights, integrate into SAR mapping tools, collect photos and video easily, and detect colors, movement, and other anomalies.

Safety 

Drones can provide scene and path lighting, ingress/egress route identification, and rope rescue site inspections. Drones also have the ability to drop lifesaving equipment like ropes, lifejackets, and radios.

Contra Costa SAR has several Part 107 certified pilots who use the latest drone technology to assist our SAR teams in supporting our community during search and rescue missions in Contra Costa County and through the State of California.