The Anniston Police Department is expanding its drone program with advanced technology to strengthen public safety, with a new all-weather drone marking the latest step in a broader push to modernize operations across the city.
The City of Anniston announced the department has been awarded a $15,000 grant through Norfolk Southern’s Safety First Grant Program, which will fund the purchase of a drone designed to operate in rain, snow, and other hazardous conditions.
The equipment is expected to be operational later this spring, with officer training continuing into the summer.
According to the Anniston Police Department, the new drone will support crime prevention and search-and-rescue efforts while enhancing officer safety.
The technology includes thermal imaging capabilities that allow officers to locate suspects or missing individuals in low-visibility environments, including wooded areas or during nighttime operations.
Law enforcement officials say the added capability is especially valuable in a city like Anniston, where officers regularly respond across a wide geographic area that includes trail systems, mountainous terrain, and large outdoor event spaces. Aerial support can provide critical visibility in areas that are difficult or dangerous to access on foot.
Police leadership has emphasized that the investment is part of a broader effort to expand the department’s drone program.
The long-term goal is to have both a drone and a trained operator available on every shift, allowing for faster deployment during emergencies and investigations.
The initiative also reflects a broader trend among law enforcement agencies across Alabama, where departments are increasingly incorporating drone technology to improve situational awareness, document crime and accident scenes, and enhance overall response capabilities.
Norfolk Southern’s Safety First Grant Program supports safety-focused initiatives in communities across its network, with Anniston among the cities benefiting from private-sector investment aimed at strengthening local public safety infrastructure.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
