Portland police to begin using drones in yearlong pilot program

Portland police plan to start using drones in a yearlong pilot to document crash scenes, watch traffic, respond to bomb threats, help in searches and respond to disasters like building collapses. The project is expected to begin in about 60 days and cost under $80,000, police said in an announcement Wednesday. They will be marked with city and police logos. “During this critical staffing period, PPB continues to look for innovative ways to help us do our jobs more efficiently and effectively,” Police Chief Chuck Lovell said in a statement. The Portland City Council authorized use of the drones. They…