Patti Dozier/Times-EnterpriseSgt. Toby Knifer tells Thomasville City Council members about benefits of a drone for Thomasville Police Department. 

THOMASVILLE — A drone could have played a big role in apprehension of a suspected murderer last summer, a Thomasville Police Department officer told Thomasville City Council.

The cost to TPD for law enforcement helicopter services during the search for Robert Carter in a heavily wooded area near Ochlocknee would have paid for a drone, police Sgt. Toby Knifer told council members at a Wednesday council workshop.

Consideration of purchasing a drone is on the agenda for the Monday council meeting. The equipment, which is budgeted, will cost about $24,000.

The equipment would remain in the TPD Criminal Investigations Division, with Knifer as drone supervisor.

Only certified officers may use the drone.

The unmanned drone would be used to map highly-frequented locations in preparation of potential future threats and/or events, documenting crime scenes and surveying disaster sites. It also would be used in search and rescue operations, accidents and traffic management, hazardous materials incidents and covert surveillance.

“It’s a complete package,” said Police Chief Troy Rich.

Equipped with thermal imagery, the drone would be able to spot a runaway juvenile hiding in woods or an Alzheimer’s patient who wandered away, became frightened and hid, the chief said.

“With the thermal imaging in the air, we’ll be able to find the person quickly,” Rich said.

When a helicopter is not available, police need something in the air, he added.

The battery-powered drone, which is four feet wide, operates by remote control and is equipped with a video display.

TPD will be required to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations to operate the drone in a law enforcement capacity. Training must comply with FAA regulations.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820