The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office Drone Unit was established in 2024 and operates under the Investigations Division.  The drone is equipped with a high resolution camera and thermal imaging technology and has an operating range up to 5 miles.  Two deputies are authorized to operate the drone as pilots and are licensed by the FAA.  The pilots are supported by deputies who are trained to assist the pilot and maintain communications with dispatch and responding units.

 

In addition to searching for missing persons or fleeing suspects, the Drone Unit has assisted with a variety of call types since its inception.  One example was the use of the drone in 2025 to support firefighting efforts with a large brush fire that lasted several days.  Using the drone’s thermal imaging and GPS capabilities, firefighters were able to quickly and precisely locate hot spots and relay the information in real-time to crews on the ground.  The unit also supports our K9 Teams during searches for suspects or article recovery.

 

The Drone Unit is available to assist our deputies and law enforcement partners throughout the County.