Courtdale and Luzerne Police Enhance Search Capabilities with New Technology
COURTDALE, LUZERNE CO. — Police departments in Courtdale and Luzerne Borough are embracing new technology to improve their efforts in searching for missing persons, especially in large outdoor areas and during low-light conditions.
Courtdale officers now have access to a drone, while Luzerne police are using a handheld thermal imaging camera. These modern tools make it easier to conduct searches where traditional methods may fall short.
The drone, equipped with thermal imaging technology, gives police a bird’s-eye view, allowing them to track suspects and locate missing individuals even in complete darkness. Chief Daniel Duffy of the Luzerne and Courtdale Police Department mentioned that the funding for this initiative came from Courtdale’s annual golf tournament, which supports better policing in the area.
“We have a pilot on our team who not only works here but also has drone certifications. He found a drone that fit our needs and budget, which benefits the whole region,” said Chief Duffy.
Since acquiring the drone, the police have utilized it to assist a local church with security plans and to help a neighboring department in a nighttime search for a missing person.
The drone boasts a long battery life and has an automatic return feature for when its power gets low, making it a reliable tool for investigations and video recording.
In addition, the handheld thermal imaging camera is an important piece of equipment that picks up heat signatures even in darkness, light vegetation, and smoke. Jason Tarreto, the Emergency Management Director for Luzerne Borough, emphasized its usefulness along the Back Mountain Trail, which sees frequent calls for assistance.
“We identified that a thermal imaging camera would be beneficial for nighttime situations. We found a compact one that functions like larger models, making it easy to carry and operate,” Tarreto explained.
The camera can detect heat signals from up to 250 feet away, proving vital for locating lost individuals in dark or wooded areas.
Chief Duffy pointed out that thermal imaging greatly enhances search efforts and investigations. He mentioned how the Luzerne and Courtdale departments are willing to share these tools with other agencies as needed.
“From a police standpoint, these devices are invaluable for gathering evidence and safely securing large buildings during night operations,” Duffy said.
He added that they can even use the thermal camera from their police vehicles to spot silhouettes that the naked eye wouldn’t catch.
The goal is to eventually equip all police vehicles with thermal imaging devices. Chief Duffy also mentioned that Courtdale Borough Police will host its third annual golf tournament in August 2026 to continue supporting this important project.
