New BCSO technology tracks crowds from the sky

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Bay County Sheriff’s officers updated their infrared engineering in March for use on the helicopter.

It’s referred to as ahead-searching infrared or FLIR, a thermal imaging infrared digital camera process.

“It gives us just an unbelievable capability from a pretty high altitude the two in daytime and nighttime to get an operational photo of what is likely on on the floor,” Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford stated.

The timing could not have been far better.

Ford mentioned the procedure was priceless as neighborhood authorities worked to regulate hefty crowds and a capturing in Panama City Beach front.

“We made use of it this past weekend exploring for men and women who have been fleeing from us on foot,” Ford claimed. “We made use of it at some of the residence parties where by we got a grievance on a house celebration and even some that we have intelligence on that had been involved in organizing these activities.”

FLIR is equipped to provide info to deputies on the floor about probable challenges.

It sends a are living video feed to the crime centre.

Deputies can obtain it from their patrol auto laptops and mobile phones.

They utilized it at the beach front shooting scene, at Pier Park, and at Vibez nightclub on Freeway 98 in St. Andrews.

“The connectivity that we have with the subject. The ability to connect that info to deputies and commanders in the discipline in serious-time the place they are able to see these items from cameras and know where suspect vehicles are with the license plate viewers. We are just very happy with the developments we have created in technological know-how with Bay County regulation enforcement,” Ford stated.

Deputies also utilized FLIR during a current nighttime look for for a lacking hunter.

It found his warmth signature and directed grounds teams to his location.