Newton County Sheriff’s Office Adds Drone with Thermal Imaging to Boost Public Safety

Photo Courtesy of Newton County Sheriff’s Office

NEWTON COUNTY – The Newton County Sheriff’s Office has announced the purchase of a DJI Matrice 4 drone equipped with advanced thermal imaging technology, a move Sheriff Colton Havard says will be a “force multiplier” for local law enforcement and emergency response.

The drone will enhance search-and-rescue operations, manhunts, and other critical responses, particularly in low-light or nighttime conditions. Captain Jimmy Smith recently completed FAA Part 107 certification, authorizing him to operate the unmanned aircraft system in an official law enforcement capacity.

Sheriff Havard emphasized that the resource will be made available to other governmental entities within Newton County upon request, with a certified operator deployed as needed. “If we can locate one missing child with this piece of technology, then it will be money well spent,” Havard said.

The Sheriff’s Office says the new technology will be put to immediate use, serving as an additional tool to protect and serve the residents of Newton County.