By admin 
SILVER SPRING, Md. (7News) — Last weekend, the Montgomery County police drone officer was busy again.
Six youths were arrested for shoplifting. They jumped on a bus and thought they had escaped, but they didn’t know the drone was overhead. This is high-tech combined with crime fighting.
As Montgomery County continues to battle an increase in armed robberies, thefts and shoplifting, the police department is highlighting the fascinating use of drones in police work, and showing how they can serve as a game-changer in the fight against shoplifting.
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According to District 3 Commander Jason Cokinos, the latest arrest using the Raven drone program took place just days ago in downtown Silver Spring.
The six juvenile suspects attempted a store robbery at a downtown Silver Sprint business, but their escape plan was thwarted by a police drone. The Montgomery County Police Department’s Drone as First Responder (DFR) team was monitoring live 911 calls when a report of the theft came in. Within just 30 seconds, the drone, known as ‘RAVEN 1’, was in the air and on its way to the scene.
The drone’s rapid response allowed police to track the fleeing suspects in real time. As they attempted to escape on a Ride On bus, the drone tracked their movements until ground patrol officers were able to intercept the bus.
This multifaceted strategy is designed to create a robust response at a time when law enforcement agencies statewide are addressing a crime crisis involving youth.
New juvenile laws are now in effect and a long-awaited commission is reviewing Maryland’s juvenile justice system. But the law has divided advocates and lawmakers between those who say it closes dangerous loopholes in the system and others who argue it criminalizes and traumatizes younger children, with little gain for public safety.
Those opposed to the new policy, such as Maryland Public Defender Natasha Dartigue, argue that the law was rushed through with a lack of data, increases detention for lower-level non-violent crimes and criminalizes children under the age of 13, especially children of color, is expanded. . But those pushing for a tougher stance on all crime, for all ages, say it will ease public fears about carjackings and robberies committed by younger children. DJS Secretary Vincent Schiraldi said the number of juvenile murder arrests has decreased by 26% this year compared to the same period last year.
Under the new laws, local prosecutors can review complaints and files of children accused of a crime and under the supervision of child welfare authorities. Juvenile records are not made public and do not follow a child unless charged as an adult.