Citizens Police Academy Week 8 – From dogs to drones

Officer John Connarton and his canine partner, Hondo, greeted attendees at last week’s Citizens Police Academy, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the life and work of Waltham’s K-9 unit. Hondo, a 7-year-old German shepherd, is a fully trained member of the force after completing 14 weeks of instruction at the Boston Police Academy. Training is ongoing, including monthly exercises with the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council and bimonthly sessions at the Boston Police Academy.

Commands for Hondo are given in German or Czech. This is because many dogs like Hondo are imported from Germany and the Czech Republic, where they receive their initial training in those languages. Connarton brings Hondo home at night, but unlike a family pet, Hondo lives in an outdoor kennel and is treated as a working animal. If Connarton is away, Hondo stays with another K-9 officer, ensuring continuity in care and discipline.

On duty, Hondo never leaves Connarton’s side. Their specially outfitted police cruiser features climate control and temperature sensors; if overheating is detected, the car’s horn and siren activate and windows automatically drop to protect the dog. Hondo’s daily tasks range from searching for evidence and missing persons to locating suspects who flee crime scenes. His mere presence often serves as a deterrent, helping to deescalate tense situations. During the demonstration, Hondo showcased his ability to track items and safely subdue individuals.

A drone’s-eye view

The evening also highlighted the Waltham Police Department’s Drone Unit with Detective Christopher Bastarche and Officer Matthew Robertson. Approximately 12 officers comprise the team, each having completed 40 hours of FAA-approved training and passing the FAA pilot test. Deployments require a pilot and an observer to navigate the drone through potential risks such as overhead wires and aggressive birds. The drone fleet was funded through money seized in drug convictions, with the largest unit valued at nearly $30,000. Robertson noted the swift pace of drone technological advancements and the cost associated with maintenance.

Police first used drones to track missing persons but now use drones for multiple purposes. For example, they use drones with infrared technology to assist in firefighting. During a fire at the Fernald property earlier this year, drones helped first responders identify dangerous hotspots. Equipped with speakers and floodlights, drones now also bolster security at large events such as the Fourth of July celebration on Moody Street and the Phantom Gourmet Food Festival.

Citizens Police Academy attendees watched the latest drone model navigate indoors before heading outside for a demonstration. Robertson flew the largest unit to 400 feet, revealing its zoom and infrared features as the group viewed their own images on the controller’s screen while looking up at the device.