The Redmond Police Department (RPD) is pioneering the use of drones as first responders (DFR) through strategic partnerships with drone technology providers Brinc and Skydio. This initiative significantly enhances emergency response capabilities and exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to public safety. The RPD’s DFR program, launched in April 2023, utilizes remotely piloted drones to respond to dispatched calls, achieving city-wide coverage within approximately 90 seconds. This rapid response allows for real-time assessment of situations through live-streamed video feeds, enabling pilots to determine the necessity of ground unit deployment and potentially avert unnecessary risks to officers.
The integration of drone technology into the RPD’s operations marks a “transformative step forward” in emergency response, according to Police Chief Darrell Lowe. This sentiment is underscored by the FAA’s recent authorization for the RPD to operate drones beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), a first for any agency in Washington state. This BVLOS capability, coupled with the installation of five drone docking stations across the city (two from Brinc and three from Skydio), ensures continuous operation and minimizes downtime for battery charging. The strategic placement of these stations optimizes response times and enhances the effectiveness of the DFR program.
The RPD’s adoption of drone technology addresses a range of critical policing needs. Drones assist in suspect apprehension, provide comprehensive documentation of crime and accident scenes, aid in searches for missing persons, assess structural fires, and enable safe clearing of buildings. These applications demonstrate the versatility and efficacy of drones in enhancing public safety and supporting law enforcement operations. A recent example highlighted by the RPD showcased a drone’s rapid response to a report of a man with a gun at an apartment complex, further illustrating the technology’s potential in de-escalating potentially dangerous situations.
Brinc, a Seattle-based drone provider, has developed specialized technology tailored for DFR operations. Their new “Responder” drone and docking station are designed specifically for 911 response, potentially eliminating the need for human intervention in certain scenarios. The company’s advanced software platform, LiveOps, provides comprehensive management and monitoring capabilities for drone fleets, including live streaming, real-time mapping, communication tools, and secure evidence storage. Brinc’s commitment to DFR technology is driven by founder and CEO Blake Resnick’s personal experience with the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, which inspired him to create solutions that could enhance first responder capabilities and improve public safety outcomes.
Skydio, another key partner in the RPD’s DFR program, provides its own advanced drone technology, further bolstering the department’s capabilities. The integration of both Brinc and Skydio platforms provides the RPD with a diverse and robust drone fleet, tailored to meet the specific demands of various emergency scenarios. The collaboration between the RPD and these industry-leading drone providers exemplifies a commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to improve public safety and enhance the efficiency of law enforcement operations. The FAA’s approval of BVLOS operations for the RPD has been hailed as a “monumental” achievement, particularly for agencies grappling with staffing shortages. This development signifies a significant advancement in drone technology’s role in law enforcement and sets a precedent for other agencies across the region and the nation.
The RPD’s DFR program represents a proactive approach to modernizing policing and enhancing community safety. While the program leverages advanced drone technology, the department emphasizes its commitment to protecting community privacy. Drones are employed solely for call response and are not utilized for proactive patrols or general surveillance. During call responses, the drone’s camera is directed at the horizon, not at individuals or buildings below, ensuring the privacy of community members. This policy underscores the RPD’s responsible and ethical approach to deploying drone technology, prioritizing both public safety and individual privacy rights. The RPD’s pioneering approach to integrating drone technology serves as a model for other law enforcement agencies seeking to enhance their emergency response capabilities and embrace innovative solutions for public safety.
