The Murrieta, California, Police Department has turned to drone technology to get a bird’s-eye view of crime.

The department’s Unmanned Aerial Systems Program, launched six months ago, has been a “game-changer,” according to officials, providing officers with a unique vantage point to fight criminal activities.

Lieutenant Jeremy Durrant, head of the drone unit, lauded the program’s success.

“In the matter of six months, we’ve had at least 50 deployments that have been very successful for us,” Durrant told ABC 7.

The most recent example occurred on January 13 when officers utilized drones to track and apprehend suspects involved in a break-in at a construction equipment dealership.

The incident began when an alarm alerted officers to the unauthorized entry into the Quinn Company Caterpillar dealership at 2 a.m.

Ground officers confronted the suspects, who fled on foot.

However, instead of engaging in a dangerous pursuit, officers deployed a drone to monitor the suspects using thermal imaging technology.

Corporal Josh Rodriguez piloted the drone, successfully tracking the suspects as they climbed a wall and entered a getaway vehicle on a side street.

“It wasn’t until they got onto the main street, driving away, that officers were able to navigate based on the drone operator’s instructions of the direction of travel,” Durrant explained.

The drone then followed the car at a high speed until officers apprehended the suspects.

According to Durrant, the thermal camera played a critical role in tracking the suspects.

“They pick up heat signatures, whether it’s from a person or a vehicle,” he said. “It helps the drone operator more easily identify a potential target and direct officers to the correct location.”

The success of the program has since prompted the department to consider its expansion. Currently, five sworn officers operate as drone pilots around the clock.

“We plan to expand the program even further in 2024,” Durrant said.

In the absence of department helicopters, the drones are seen as an important means for officers to gain a strategic aerial perspective before arriving at the scene.

“It’s amazing what a bird’s-eye perspective on something can do to help with your tactical awareness, your situation awareness,” Durrant added.

Durrant also acknowledged the tech-savvy nature of the new generation of officers.

“A lot of our new officers come equipped with an awareness of technology. Some of them even own drones themselves,” he said.