The Eden Prairie Police Department's eyes in the sky are not just for show. At a recent sit-down with the Eden Prairie Lions Club, Sgt. Tom Lowery and Sgt. Jordan Koras peeled back the curtain on the department's Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) team's operations. Since its inception in 2020, this drone squad has been a crucial asset in clutch situations, from tracking down suspects on the run to finding those who've gone missing.

The UAS team, equipped with state-of-the-art drones, is commanded by five sworn officers and one civilian volunteer, all rigorously trained to swiftly maneuver these aerial observers. Last year alone, Eden Prairie's drones took to the skies 53 separate times, serving as an unblinking eye for the force in scenarios where every second counts.

Interested parties are encouraged to tune into the Eden Prairie Lions YouTube channel to watch the show where the sergeants share the ins, the outs, and the tactical benefits of the UAS program. The program doesn't just bolster the police department's capabilities; it's also a testament to the evolving blend of technology and public safety.

Transparency is a non-negotiable in the age of surveillance and drones. The Eden Prairie Police Department ensures to annually report their UAS activity to the state, affording a layer of accountability amidst the ever-watchful eye of technological advancements. It's a balance of power and privacy, designed to serve without intruding.