High-tech policing using drones is proving effective in fighting crime in Montgomery County

SILVER SPRING, MD . (7News) — This past weekend, the Montgomery County police drone officer was busy once again.

Six juveniles were arrested for retail theft. They jumped on a bus thinking they had escaped, but little did they know the drone was above them – this is high-tech meets crime-fighting.

As Montgomery County continues to grapple with an increase in armed robberies, thefts and shoplifting, the police department is highlighting the fascinating use of drones in police work and how they can be a game-changer in the fight against retail theft.

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According to District 3 Commander Jason Cokinos, the most recent arrest using the Raven drone program occurred just a few days ago in downtown Silver Spring.

The six teenage suspects attempted to carry out a retail robbery at a downtown Silver Sprint store, but their escape plan was foiled by a police drone. The Montgomery County Police Department's Drone as First Responder (DFR) team was monitoring emergency calls when a report of the theft was received. Within just 30 seconds, the drone, known as “RAVEN 1,” was in the air and on its way to the scene.

The drone's rapid response allowed law enforcement to track the fleeing suspects in real time. As they attempted to escape on a ride-on bus, the drone tracked their movements until patrol officers were able to intercept the bus.

This multi-pronged strategy is designed to create a robust response at a time when law enforcement agencies across the state are grappling with a youth-involved crime crisis.

New juvenile justice laws are now in effect and a long-awaited commission is evaluating Maryland's justice system for minors. But the law has divided advocates and lawmakers between those who say it closes dangerous gaps in the system and others who argue it criminalizes and traumatizes younger children with little gain in public safety.

Those who oppose the new guidelines, such as Maryland defense attorney Natasha Dartigue, argue that the law was enforced due to a lack of data, increases prison sentences for lower-level nonviolent offenses and criminalizes children under 13, particularly those of color children, is expanded. But those pushing for a tougher stance on all crime across all age groups say it will allay the public's fears about car thefts and robberies by younger children. DJS Secretary Vincent Schiraldi said there was a 26% decrease in arrests for juvenile murder this year compared to the same period last year.

Under the new laws, local prosecutors will be able to review complaints and files of children accused of crimes who are under the supervision of child protective services. Juvenile records will not be made public and will not prosecute a child unless they are charged as an adult.