By William Pitts | 12 News Phoenix
COCHISE COUNTY, Ariz. — The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office is testing large drones at the U.S.-Mexico border that could one day help monitor crossings for hours on end.
The drones are designed to stay in the air for between 7 and 14 hours, capturing video, infrared images, and even directing law enforcement to people who cross the border. They can also drop medical supplies if someone is injured, or water if someone needs it.
Captain Tim Williams of the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office said the department already uses smaller drones, but those only last about 20 minutes.
“That’s why the Outrider is such a huge project. It’s going to change the game for this kind of operation,” Williams said.
The Outrider is a drone with a nine-foot wingspan that can carry a heavy payload. Monday, the sheriff’s office and Draganfly representatives staged a demonstration at the U.S.-Mexico border south of Sierra Vista.
