Now, here's a new and, I believe, worthwhile idea; using paragliders to search for lost children and senior citizens. It takes about 60 to 70 yards to get airborne and police can cruise the paraglider as low as 100 feet.

Palm Bay Police Chief William Berger said the paraglider does have a small motor which aids the glider, so, its not entirely silent. But, he did say the noise of the glider is minimal, and you'd have to really focus on its sound to hear it.

He made mention that Florida is very flat and that makes it an easy take-off and useful tool. He said that Palm Bay shares a helicopter with the county sheriff's office, but it can't go below 1000 feet, and they don't always have access to it.

The department is getting ready to launch the program with five paragliders. The chief said, he, personally, has not gone up yet, but, is certainly planning on it soon.

"The paragliders require no license, and the units will be used primarily for search and rescues," the chief said.

The department is receiving training to properly operate the gliders.

I believe this is a superb idea, and, one, other police departments will adopt, once the trial program in Palm Bay proves its effectiveness.

Some information for this story comes from:
National Public Radio (npr.org)

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