Prolific filmmaker, writer and director Earnesto “Nesto” Rhea, an Inglewood, California, native and socially conscious motion picture industry rising star, was tired of witnessing tragedies from traffic stops gone awry when he had the vision to create “No Shots Fired.”
Too many friends in law enforcement had relayed stories about the day-today high risk volatility of their jobs and countless civilian victims had become statistics from traffic stops that turned deadly.
From the Terrence Crutcher case in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to the Keith Scott case in Charlotte, North Carolina, both cases might have been prevented from turning fatalistic had there been an advance method of surveying the scene.
Of equal importance, police officers could be better protected knowing what lies ahead of them before an ensuing traffic stop turns fatal.
Drone technology
After speaking with Drone aficionado Damon Darnall, AKA “The Drone Boss” and his wife “Mrs. Drone Boss,” Nesto decided to produce a short film that explored a practice that has been successful in some cities but not federally mandated so police departments across the country are required to utilize it.
The Darnell’s became involved in “No Shots Fired” because of their belief that drones can save lives in policing. According to Damon Darnall: “I am continually impressed by the hundreds of new positive uses for drones being implemented, especially by those offering real-world solutions that add value and save lives.
No Shots Fired gives us a glimpse into how this incredible technology is doing GOOD in the world. Drones are an awesome tool and in the application highlighted in the film, they are comparable to a bright light in the darkness, helping you to see what might possibly be missed.
Used properly by law enforcement, a drone can provide an alternate or additional perspective on altercations or dangerous situations creating a safer interaction for all involved.
I am humbled and proud to be part of this project to promote drone technology for good.” Based upon testimony from police departments that use drones, the use of them in recording traffic stops, can foresee the risk of danger before incidents occur, and serve as a mechanism for accountability between civilians and police.
The “Drone Boss” Damon Darnall and his wife Gina (Mrs. Drone Boss) are advocates for bringing awareness to the good that drones can provide in the world. It is their belief that people have an unparalleled opportunity to be pioneers in this industry and help highlight the fact that in addition to commercial use for profit, drones can (and will) save countless lives on a global scale.
Goldman Sachs has predicted the drone industry to be a $100 Billion dollar industry by 2020. Damon and Gina’s mission is to encourage people to promote awareness, education, training, safety, responsible drone operation and advanced legislation to support the safety of the consumer and general public and change lives for the better.
Not everyone agrees of course; however many other fields have experienced this similar dichotomy at the beginning of their exposure to the general public. Cars are a prime example. When the automobile was first introduced, people thought the better answer was simply a faster horse, but through exposure, education and awareness the invaluable tool call we call a car became the norm in our society.
This is the level of awareness and safety that Damon and Gina want to bring to drone usage. It is their life mission. They are thrilled to be a part of “No Shots Fired” and the promote use of drones by police officers as tools. Drones are another way to bridge a conversation or police interaction in a non-confrontational way, promoting safety for All parties and to assist resolution in a peaceful manner.