San Diego Sheriff's Department begins using drones to find missing people, document crime scenes

Sheriff's homicide detectives showed up at the house first. As detectives began investigating the fatal shooting of a Pala woman last week, two deputies flew the drone over the outdoor homicide scene, taking aerial photos and videos that would become evidence. The remote-controlled aircraft is one of four the Sheriff's Department is using to document crime scenes, search for missing people, aid SWAT teams during their operations and for other reasons in dangerous or unfavorable scenarios. Two other drones are used for training. "It's an extremely valuable tool, and potentially lifesaving," Sheriff's Lt. Jason Vickery said.