Exploring Ouachita Parish’s Real-Time Crime Center: The Role of Drones in Emergency Response
Aerial Intelligence Enhances Response for Ouachita Parish Deputies
A System Built for Real-Time Response
At the recent Motorola Solutions Summit 2026, Chief Deputy Larry Knight of the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office discussed the integration of advanced technology within his department. Knight has played a key role in implementing tools that enhance real-time crime center operations and the use of drones as first responders. The department’s focus is on utilizing technology to improve response times and decision-making in the field.
This approach is already transforming daily operations in Ouachita Parish.
The Call Comes In
When a call comes into dispatch—whether it concerns a vehicle burglary, a suspicious person, or a license plate reader alert—the response protocol differs from many other departments. Instead of a standard response with limited information, the Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) begins to build a comprehensive picture of the situation using Motorola Solutions Command Central. Camera feeds are activated, and data is gathered from various sources. In some instances, the parish’s first Drone as First Responder (DFR) drone—a BRINC system—launches automatically.
The Drone Arrives First
The department employs a DFR model, allowing drones to respond automatically to specific calls or be deployed manually to designated locations. Often, the drone arrives at the scene before the deputies, providing an aerial perspective that significantly alters the response dynamics.
From the RTCC and patrol vehicles, officers can monitor real-time developments, allowing them to approach situations with greater context. Knight noted that having this information before arriving at a scene is a significant advantage for deputies.
From Information to Action
The drone’s value extends beyond its speed. As it streams video, RTCC personnel—many of whom have law enforcement backgrounds—interpret the footage. This training enables them to recognize critical details and provide actionable guidance to deputies on the ground, enhancing their safety and efficiency during responses.
In certain scenarios, drones are directly linked to alerts from license plate readers, allowing them to track suspects in real time while coordinating with ground units.
The Moment the Drone Changes the Outcome
The impact of drones is particularly evident in real-world situations. For instance, during a series of vehicle burglaries in West Monroe, deputies had limited information about a suspect. Instead of waiting for further reports, they deployed a drone to monitor the area. Within days, the drone located the suspect’s vehicle, enabling operators to observe the suspect committing a burglary. This led to the suspect’s arrest and the resolution of ongoing burglaries.
According to Knight, such interventions would not have been possible without the use of drones.
Integration Makes the Difference
Knight emphasized that the most significant change over the past decade is not just the technology itself but its seamless integration into departmental operations. Twelve years ago, he was the department’s first drone pilot, operating systems that required manual control and were prone to crashes. Today’s drones are more stable, easier to operate, and capable of advanced functions, such as zooming in on details from considerable distances.
Drones are now fully integrated into the response system, allowing RTCC staff to deploy them quickly and effectively support deputies in real time.
Designed for Safety: For Officers and the Public
The program prioritizes safety and transparency. Knight stated that enhancing deputy safety ultimately benefits the public. Drone flights are always linked to service calls, and the department maintains open communication with the community regarding the use of drones, allowing residents to review flight paths and understand their purpose.
This transparency has fostered community support for the relatively new program. Ouachita Parish, which encompasses both urban and rural areas, continues to assess where additional DFR drones and stations could be most effective, aiming to reduce response times and improve situational awareness.
A New Kind of First Response
In this operational model, drones are not standalone tools but integral components of a coordinated response system that activates as soon as a call is received. By the time deputies arrive, the situation has often been observed, analyzed, and understood, leading to better-informed decisions.
For Ouachita Parish, embracing new technology is essential for ensuring the safety of their team and preparing for future challenges. Knight expressed a commitment to leaving the department better for the next generation of officers.