Del City Police Roll Out High-Tech Gear: Body Cams, Tasers, Drones, and VR Training

July 19, 2026 - 05:54

The Del City Police Department has completed a major technology overhaul, equipping officers with new body cameras, Tasers, drones, and virtual reality training systems. The upgrades aim to improve accountability, streamline evidence collection, and shorten response times in the field.

According to department officials, the new body cameras offer better resolution and longer battery life than previous models. They also automatically activate when an officer draws a Taser or unholsters a firearm. The Tasers themselves are the latest generation, designed to reduce the risk of injury during use while providing more reliable data logs for incident review.

Drones will now assist with search and rescue operations, traffic crash reconstruction, and tactical situations. Officers trained as drone pilots can deploy the aircraft within minutes, giving commanders a real-time aerial view of scenes without waiting for helicopter support. The department says this has already helped locate missing persons and map large crime scenes faster.

The VR training system lets officers practice de-escalation, use-of-force decisions, and high-stress scenarios in a controlled environment. Trainees wear headsets and interact with virtual suspects, allowing them to repeat situations and learn from mistakes without real-world consequences. The department plans to run every officer through quarterly VR drills.

Chief of Police Ray Roberts said the combined technology package represents a significant investment in officer safety and public trust. "These tools give us better evidence, better training, and better awareness," he said. "They help us do our jobs more effectively and hold ourselves to a higher standard."

The upgrades were funded through a mix of city budget allocations and state grants. No timeline was given for future technology additions, but officials indicated the department will continue evaluating new systems as they become available.