Oxford Police Drones Survey Storm-Damaged Creeks, Ditches to Protect Infrastructure

The Oxford Police Department’s Drone Unit flew aerial surveys of city-maintained storm ditches and creeks on March 4, 2026, to identify fallen trees and limbs left by Winter Storm Fern. Sgt. Peter Heim and Public Information Officer Breck Jones led the unit alongside Steve Brunton, the City of Oxford’s stormwater engineer, during the flights aimed at spotting debris that could block waterways.

The department said in a Facebook post that the team’s work was intended to locate obstructions in areas affected by the recent winter weather because “such obstructions can damage sewage infrastructure, clog drainage systems and create larger flooding or environmental problems if left unchecked.” City-maintained creeks and storm ditches were the specific focus named in the post.

The Oxford Police Department described operational benefits of the mission on social media, noting that the Drone Unit “allowed them to safely and efficiently survey hard-to-reach areas and give the Stormwater Division a clearer view of potential problem spots before they turn into costly repairs or community concerns.” An Instagram excerpt shared the same point: “By taking to the air, the Drone Unit was able to safely and efficiently survey hard-to-reach areas, giving the Stormwater Division a clear view.”

While the department identified the purpose and participants of the March 4 flights, the Facebook post did not list exact creek names, street locations, or a count of fallen trees and limbs discovered. The social media notices also did not specify whether any immediate removals or emergency repairs were ordered as a result of the drone footage. Sgt. Heim, Breck Jones and Steve Brunton are named points of contact in the department and city notices for the operation.

City officials framed the drone flights as a proactive, cross-agency response to post-storm infrastructure risk. The department wrote that the operation shows “how technology, teamwork and proactive planning help protect Oxford’s infrastructure and keep the community running smoothly after a storm.” The Stormwater Division now has aerial imagery to review and prioritise inspections based on the clearer view the Drone Unit provided.

The police department published the account on Facebook and shared related material on Instagram; the department’s posts remain the primary public record of the March 4 operation. City and police officials have not released further technical details, including the number of drones used, flight logs, or any subsequent cleanup schedules.