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Lehigh Township discusses drones, radios and body cameras; board approves outside firm for officer background checks
Summary
Police officials briefed the board on future drone capabilities, a potential move to digital radios, body camera options and a 10‑21 evidence app. The board approved hiring DBM Investigations to perform background checks for two officer candidates.
Sergeant John Henry told the Board of Supervisors the department has used drones borrowed from neighboring departments at least five times this year and sees potential value for searches, crash reconstruction and search‑and‑rescue. He said establishing an in‑town drone program would require weeklong operator training, an aviation certificate, insurance review and likely solicitor input on any ordinance or policy on privacy and operational limits.
On radios, Henry summarized competing digital radio platforms and noted Lehigh County’s digital rollout will determine when local radios must be replaced; he said Motorola systems could total roughly $300,000 while Kenwood options may be roughly half that price. On body cameras, he said the department is currently using Digital Ally units, has experienced downtime and is evaluating Axon products and software/storage differences.
Henry also described a 10‑21 evidence app that stores photos and calls off a secure server rather than a personal phone to reduce discovery issues, and a Crime Watch website that maps community cameras and wanted persons as a potential future tool.
On staffing, the board approved hiring DBM Investigations and Consultants, LLC to conduct background investigations for two police officer candidates at $650 per investigation plus mileage and a $325 polygraph fee. Janet Sheats moved to hire DBM; David Hess seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
The board directed staff to return with more pricing and legal analysis before pursuing an in‑town drone program or major equipment purchases tied to the county digital radio transition.
