Sheriff Randy Smith debuts the new mobile command center and drone system to the citizens of St. Tammany Parish.
Both the mobile command center and the drone system have replaced the dated 25-year-old mobile command center and the aged helicopter once utilized by the agency.
The mobile command center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology in which personnel can utilize map overlays and satellite overheads to mark personnel positions in the case of a SWAT standoff, search and rescue scenario, a manhunt, or a pursuit. There are 4 workstations, 3 of which have full dispatch and call taker capabilities. The exterior is equipped with two mast cameras, one on a 70-foot mast, and the other that specializes in night scan scene lighting. An exterior monitor may also be utilized for larger briefings in the case of missing persons.
The drone system, which replaced the aged helicopter, has cost the agency a fraction of what the helicopter once did. The drone was a one-time cost as opposed to the helicopter which accrued repairs, service, fuel, and pilot costs. The drone is equipped with a spotlight, and daylight and nighttime camera capabilities. This state-of-the-art mobile command center provides the platform to utilize the full capabilities of our drone system for extended search times and on scene monitoring. The command center allows personnel to view live feeds from the drone for search and rescue missions.
Sheriff Smith said with this combination of modern technology, the residents of St. Tammany Parish will greatly benefit in an emergency situation.
