UTICA — The Utica Police Department will begin testing unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor school dismissal activities starting Monday.
The trial program involves partnership with the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and Utica City School District.
Police say the drones will monitor dismissal activities to evaluate after-school activity of students, pedestrians and vehicles in neighborhoods surrounding some schools.
The department has responded to several incidents at dismissal time that resulted in increased services from law enforcement and school administration.
Officials say the unmanned aerial vehicles will allow them to gather information on a larger scale to assess whether current dismissal plans are effective.
The drones will monitor traffic patterns, pedestrian areas and general activities during after-school periods.
Police say the goal is maintaining safety and security of students, residents and business owners during periods when large numbers of people gather for short times.
