Aim Small, Miss Small: An Ex-Cop's Guide to Mastering Drone Crash Reconstruction

In this compelling episode of DroneCast, Joe Kearns III talks with Bobby Jason Mullinax—a seasoned law enforcement professional and current UAS Sales and Training Specialist at Frontier Precision Unmanned—about how drones are reshaping crash reconstruction and investigative processes in law enforcement.

Drawing from his extensive background as a crash reconstruction instructor at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, Bobby Jason Mullinax discusses proven methods for integrating drones into public safety workflows. The conversation focuses on enhancing operational efficiency, improving evidentiary accuracy, and building internal and external support for drone initiatives.

You will learn how to apply the “DRONE” framework (Decide, Regulations, Operations, Needs, Evidence) to structure programs effectively, navigate internal resistance through education, and use measurable reference points to validate drone-captured data. Bobby Jason Mullinax also emphasizes the value of scenario-based training and the importance of transparency when engaging with the community and legal stakeholders.

This episode delivers expert guidance for law enforcement professionals aiming to advance their drone capabilities and strengthen investigative outcomes through thoughtful program design and execution.

What You'll Learn:

How to implement the "DRONE" method for strategic and structured program development (Decide, Regulations, Operations, Needs, Evidence)
Why relative accuracy is essential in crash reconstruction—and how to defend it in legal settings
How to engage and educate prosecutors, command staff, and other key stakeholders
The importance of using measurable reference objects to validate scene documentation
How to build and scale effective scenario-based training for public safety drone teams
Techniques for aligning drone operations with real-world investigative needs
The role of interagency collaboration in expanding drone impact
Why clear, transparent communication with the public fosters trust and long-term program support

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Episode Highlights:

[08:41] Drone Advantages in Crash Scene Documentation
The drone's resilience to environmental conditions provides a significant advantage over human investigators, particularly in extreme weather. In hot and humid conditions like South Carolina summers, drones maintain consistent performance while human investigators fatigue quickly. The drone captures everything in its field of view, regardless of whether investigators initially recognize its importance, preventing missed evidence due to human error. This comprehensive data collection allows for faster roadway reopening and improved investigator safety by keeping them out of active traffic lanes. The technology's endurance and thorough documentation capabilities make it an invaluable tool for crash reconstruction efforts.
[19:38] The DRONE Method for Program Implementation
Bobby J Mullinax introduces the DRONE framework for systematically implementing drone programs in law enforcement: Decide mission scope, Review regulations, Operations planning, Needs assessment, and Evidence management. This structured approach helps agencies avoid common pitfalls and ensures comprehensive program development. The framework starts with defining specific use cases like crash reconstruction or search and rescue, then addresses regulatory compliance and operational readiness. By following this method, departments can create clear implementation strategies grounded in agency objectives and stakeholder needs.
[12:27] Getting Started with Drone Programs
Agencies can begin using drone technology with straightforward equipment and simple workflows while still achieving significant gains in investigative efficiency and documentation quality. While advanced systems offer enhanced capabilities, even basic drone setups enable better scene capture and reduce reliance on traditional, more labor-intensive methods. Starting with core capabilities allows departments to focus on training, data quality, and integration into existing workflows, establishing a strong operational foundation before expanding further. This approach emphasizes performance, safety, and evidentiary value from the outset.
[24:22] Building Public Trust Through Transparency
Departments can address public concerns about drone usage through proactive transparency measures and clear communication about program objectives. Sharing flight logs and program details publicly helps build community trust and understanding. This approach has improved public relations for many agencies, turning potential resistance into support. Demonstrating the public safety benefits while maintaining operational transparency helps agencies gain community acceptance. The key is to implement transparency measures from the start rather than waiting for public concerns to arise.

Episode Resources:

Bobby J. Mullinax on LinkedIn
Frontier Precision Unmanned website
Joe Kearns on LinkedIn
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