AT LEAST four police officers from the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) are undergoing training for them to be able to operate a drone that will be deployed to patrol the city in the coming weeks.

Lieutenant Colonel Janette Rafter, deputy city director for operation of CCPO, said the trainees should be capable to handle the drone since the equipment they are going to use is an expensive one.

Rafter, however, did not provide a particular price for the drone they plan to buy.

She said Police Regional Director Brigadier General Jerry Bearis did not want to use the cheaper drone because their anti-criminality program will not benefit from it.

“I’m sure na gyuy ipahatag nga specs si RD (Bearis) kay as I’ve said this is his brainchild kay siya gyud ang nag-initiate ani nga pag-gamit sa technology to substantiate sa atong traditional policing,” she added.

(I'm sure that RD (Bearis) will provide the specifications because, as I've said, this is his brainchild and he initiated the use of technology to support our traditional policing.)

The four police officers will begin their drone patrols once they are competent enough.

But Rafter said that they are still seeking funding for the acquisition of drone.

She added they will ask for financial support from the Cebu City Government or their supporters to achieve their plan.

Rafter explained that drone patrolling is very important in preventing crime in the city, just like what they did during the Sinulog grand parade where many snatchers were caught.

The drone patrolling will complement the urban patrolling by the rookie policemen in crime-prone areas.

Rafter admitted that since the deployment of policemen in the streets, the crime volume in the city has reduced and this is expected to decrease further once the drone is in use.

Based on the crime index of Cebu City as of January 2023, robbery is the most common crime, followed by physical injury. (AYB/TPT)