Stafford VA. When a traffic incident occurs, law enforcement traditionally turns to an arsenal of different tools for help. Here at the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, we are always on the lookout for innovative tools and technologies to improve the way we serve our community.

Recently, our Traffic Safety Unit turned to the sky for a new tool for accident reconstruction—drones. Over the past year, our deputies have been refining their use of drones for reconstructing crash scenes. Traditionally, crash reconstruction can take hours, and use of drones significantly reduces that time.

Last month, the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police (VACP) recognized our efforts in this area with the 2019 Virginia Law Enforcement Challenge award in the technology category. We also received a second place award for an agency of our size. The awards were presented at the VACP’s 94th Annual Training Conference on August 27 in Norfolk, VA.

The Law Enforcement Challenge is a traffic safety recognition program that recognizes agencies that excel in keeping their roadways safe and is coordinated by the VACP. Celebrating its thirtieth year in Virginia, the program promotes professionalism in traffic safety enforcement and encourages agencies to share best practices and programs with each other.

“Drones are revolutionizing the way investigators capture crash scene evidence and help protect first responders and the community,” said Sheriff David P. Decatur. “We could not be more proud of the efforts of our Traffic Safety Unit who work diligently every day to keep our roadways and our community members safe.”