HONOLULU (KHON2) –It’s not just boots on the ground anymore. Now it’s drones in the sky, data on demand and a network that just might change the game. With fewer officers on the streets and more calls coming in, law enforcement is turning to smart tech to close the gaps.
Waikiki is going high-tech in a new push to help catch criminals and support officers already stretched thin.
“We may not have a cup on every corner, but we definitely have technology on every corner,” state Department of Law Enforcement Director Mike Lambert explained.
DLE is creating a Real Time Operations Center to fight crime, turning to cutting-edge tools to track suspects faster.
“Our license plate readers, as well as being able to tap into existing cameras in the area, to really give us a real time sense of what’s going on,” Lambert said.
They are also using next-gen drones as first responders to fill gaps.
“This allows us to be very efficient being that everybody in law enforcement is short,” he added. “We can know that this is moving in this direction, and we can be much more efficient in how we use our resources.”
Lambert said they currently have 10 drones, and plan to keep several in locations around Waikiki.
DLE is working with the Honolulu Police Department, businesses and organizations to ensure the safety via technology program can increase security presence, share data and improve response times.
He said Waikiki is the perfect testing ground.
“I think it’s a great place to pilot it and show what technology does. It’s a mixed environment. You have residents that live in Waikiki, you have businesses, and of course, you have tourists,” he said.
According to Lambert, the Waikiki pilot has funding for three years, with a price tag of roughly $500,000.
He also said the center will be ready to go in July, which can be manned with up to 10 people.
“At peak times, during large operations, maybe 10. And then the normal Monday through Friday activity, maybe three or four,” Lambert said.
While the center is located right below his office on King Street, he said they hope to have satellite terminals in the field acting like digital eyes and ears making the entire system smarter and more efficient.
“Even the drone pilots will be sitting at a desk here and then operating the drones,” Lambert explained. “And like it’s cool cause, they can be sitting right here and operating a drone in the Big Island.”
It’s law enforcement with a modern twist. And for Waikiki it could be a smarter way to stay safe.