As the World Cup brings a massive wave of tourists flooding into the region, the Renton Police Department is debuting brand new high-tech gear meant to keep visitors and residents safe. Officials gave a close-up look at the new equipment in action, showcasing tools the department says will help it manage crowds and threats during the tournament.
One of the centerpieces is a device loaded with sensors and cameras designed to detect unauthorized drones that violate the FAA's temporary flight restrictions. Commander Chad Karlowick said the D-drone trailer keeps eyes on the skies around the clock, allowing Renton officers to monitor the restricted airspace from anywhere in real time.
The system does more than simply spot a drone in the air. According to the department, it tells officers where the pilot is located, where the drone took off from, what type of drone it is and even the serial number of the device, giving police detailed information about any drones operating in the area.
The drone trailer is not the only new tool. Every Renton officer is now equipped with body cameras capable of translating 56 different languages at the push of a button. Officers can either identify a language they know someone is speaking, or allow the device to auto-detect it before the translation begins.
Officers began training with these body cameras back in February and have since activated the AI translation mode almost daily. In one demonstration, the device handled a resident reporting that their car had been stolen along with documents and a phone, instantly bridging the language gap between the officer and the person seeking help.
Commander Dennis Moynihan said the technology does not just communicate instantly, it also automatically transcribes conversations to help officers write faster and more accurate reports. He stressed that the city has a very diverse community, making it incredibly important for the department to be able to support everyone in Renton, especially as the World Cup draws international crowds.