Drones May Soon Join Ice Jam Evaluation Squad

Albany is sending members of the National Guard, Transportation Administration, State Troopers and emergency crews all over the state to evaluate the extent of ice jams and flooding that have been reported in areas north of New York City.

Problems have been reported this week in Broome, Tioga and Chenango Counties as well as a serious ice jam that flooded a big part of Campbell in Steuben County earlier this month.

Part of that evaluation in the near future could involve drones operated by New York State Police.

January 11, officials announced 18 new unmanned aircraft are to be deployed throughout New York State.

January 23, word came out that troopers from each of the State Police Troops are undergoing training and certification.

The training apparently takes place at the New York State Preparedness Training Center in Oriskany.  The Department of Environmental Conservation over recent days have been taking videos of ice jams using DEC drones

In addition to evaluating situations like ice jams and other emergency issues, the drones can be used for traffic safety and crime scene photography.

The Governor’s office says the equipment also protects officers from doing tasks that are too hazardous for humans.