Mokena To Purchase 2 Drones For Police Department

MOKENA, IL — Two drones will be purchased for the Mokena Police Department to help solve crimes and locate missing persons, according to a release from the village. The board approved the purchase after a presentation from interim Police Chief Tim McCarthy.

Over the past couple of months, drones borrowed from Orland Park have played a key role in at least two cases in which the Mokena Police Department was called into action, the village said in a release.

McCarthy said the two drones purchased will be smaller models with thermal imaging and enhanced optics features.

“It is essential to always have two drones at the ready,” McCarthy said in a release. “You always need back-up in case of battery draw-down on one of the birds. This allows the operator to stay on the scene longer, so as the batteries wear down on one drone, the second drone can be activated to the same area to continue operations. Having two drones will additionally allow for parts to be interchanged.”

The two drones together will cost less than $10,000, the village said in a release. Asset forfeiture funds will be utilized for the purchase, meaning the acquisition will be possible at no cost to Mokena taxpayers.