The Mokena, Illinois, Police Department (MPD) will be purchasing two drones to assist in solving crimes and locating missing persons. The two drones together will cost less than $10,000. Asset forfeiture funds will be utilized for the purchase, meaning their acquisition will be possible at no cost to Mokena taxpayers.

Chief McCarthy said the two drones purchased will be smaller models with thermal imaging and enhanced optics features.

Following research and a presentation recently by Interim Police Chief Tim McCarthy, Mayor Frank Fleischer and the Village of Mokena Board of Trustees signed off on the decision. Over the past couple of months, drones borrowed from a neighboring village have played a key role in at least two cases in which the MPD was called into action.

“It is essential to always have two drones at the ready,” said McCarthy. “You always need back-up in case of battery draw-down on one of the birds. This allows the operator to stay on the scene longer, so as the batteries wear down on one drone, the second drone can be activated to the same area to continue operations. Having two drones will additionally allow for parts to be interchanged.”