Estes Park Police Enhance Search Capabilities with State Grant

The Estes Park Police Department has secured an $8,897 grant from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation as part of the State’s Persons Who Wander program. This funding will bolster the department’s efforts to locate individuals who may become lost due to cognitive or medical conditions. The grant specifically supports the Estes Park Persons Who Wander Drone Project, which aims to enhance search capabilities in the region.

“When someone with a cognitive or medical condition goes missing, time is everything,” stated Police Chief Ian Stewart. He emphasized the importance of this funding in expanding the department’s drone capabilities. The use of drones allows for quicker and more extensive coverage of terrain, improving the chances of safely locating missing individuals and providing families with peace of mind.

Grant Supports Advanced Technology in Search Efforts

The Persons Who Wander program, authorized by Colorado law, provides grants to local governments to assist in locating individuals with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, autism, brain injuries, and other developmental or neurological disorders that may lead to wandering. Presently, the Estes Park Police Department operates one DJI Mavic 4T thermal drone and an interior drone, backed by four certified drone pilots.

With this grant, the department plans to purchase a DJI Matrice 4T thermal drone. Additionally, training and certification will be provided for two more patrol officers. This expansion will ensure that each patrol squad has access to a dedicated drone, ultimately strengthening the availability of certified pilots during high-risk missing person calls.

The upgraded drone will significantly enhance search efficiency in low light conditions and challenging terrains, which are common in the mountainous environment of Estes Park. Located at over 7,500 feet in elevation, the town faces unique challenges due to its rapidly changing weather and rugged landscape. As a major gateway to outdoor recreation, Estes Park attracts millions of visitors annually, many of whom are unfamiliar with the area. These factors can quickly escalate a missing person situation into a critical emergency.

Collaboration and Integration for Effective Response

The police department intends to integrate the new drone into its existing missing person response protocols and maintain close coordination with regional partners to ensure swift and effective deployment. “This is about protecting some of our most vulnerable residents and visitors,” said Commander Jeremiah Polucha. He noted that combining advanced technology with trained personnel and strong regional partnerships positions the department to respond more effectively when families require assistance.

Importantly, the grant does not necessitate any local matching funds, allowing the police department to allocate resources directly towards enhancing their search capabilities. For further information, interested parties may contact Commander Polucha at 970-577-3861.

The commitment to improving search efforts reflects a proactive approach in safeguarding individuals with special needs and underscores the importance of community support in maintaining public safety.