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Ramapo Police Department Launches Groundbreaking Drone Program As First Responder In Rockland County

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Ramapo, NY – Supervisor Michael Specht and Police Chief Dan Hyman are proud to announce the launch of the Ramapo Police Department’s innovative Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program, making the department the first and only law enforcement agency in Rockland County to implement an FAA-approved DFR initiative. This cutting-edge program is designed to enhance public safety and operational efficiency, providing a new tool for law enforcement to protect both first responders and the community.
The DFR program, managed by the Ramapo Police Department, consists of two Paladin Drone Base Stations, equipped with remotely operated drones. The primary goal of the program is to act as a “force multiplier,” enabling officers to quickly gather critical situational data during emergency responses, improving decision-making in real-time. This technology allows for rapid aerial assessments of complex or hazardous environments, which can be crucial in high-stakes situations.
“As we continue to explore new ways to enhance public safety, the Drone as a First Responder program stands out as a major advancement,” said Supervisor Michael Specht. “This program is not only a first for Ramapo but also for Rockland County, and it underscores our commitment to bringing the latest technology to our law enforcement efforts.”
The integration of drones into emergency response efforts allows for faster identification of potential threats or hazards that may not be visible from the ground. The aerial views provided by the drones will assist in a variety of critical situations, including locating missing persons, tracking suspects, and providing live situational awareness during active emergencies, all of which contribute to faster response times and better outcomes.
“Our top priority is the safety of our officers and the community. With the DFR program, we now have the ability to gather essential information quickly and efficiently, which will greatly improve our response in emergency situations,” said Chief Dan Hyman of the Ramapo Police Department. “This technology will not only enhance our operational capacity but will also lead to better, more informed decision-making in the field.”
The introduction of the DFR program is part of the Ramapo Police Department’s broader efforts to remain at the forefront of law enforcement technology, improving both community safety and public service delivery. The department will continue to explore innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of law enforcement and enhance its capabilities.

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Police/Fire/EMS

Ramapo Police Halt Test of Advanced License Plate Reader Cameras

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Ramapo Police Chief Daniel Hyman announced that the department will not move forward with a planned test of a new generation of automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, citing privacy concerns and the need to balance law enforcement technology with constitutional protections.

Hyman said the technology being considered goes beyond the department’s existing fixed license plate readers. While current cameras primarily capture license plates to help identify wanted or stolen vehicles and assist with criminal investigations, the newer systems include advanced investigative analytics and vehicle-identification capabilities.

“Those capabilities can provide tremendous value to law enforcement, but they also raise legitimate questions about privacy and the appropriate limits of government technology,” Hyman said.

Hyman emphasized that the decision does not affect the traditional fixed LPR cameras currently used by the Ramapo Police Department and does not represent a rejection of license plate reader technology overall.

Instead, he said the department is exercising caution because of the expanded capabilities of the newer systems.

“Our responsibility is to protect both” public safety and constitutional protections, Hyman said.

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Police/Fire/EMS

Two Hospitalized After Crash on Kings Highway in Valley Cottage

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Emergency crews responded to a motor vehicle collision Sunday morning on Kings Highway, where two people were transported to the hospital.

Medic 5, RPS 8, Congers-Valley Cottage Ambulance and the Valley Cottage Fire Department responded to the scene.

Two patients were transported to Montefiore Nyack Hospital in stable condition.

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