Redmond Police Department Recognized for Drone as First Responder Program

The Redmond Police Department has been awarded a Letter of Recognition by the Washington State Law Enforcement Drone Association for its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program. Launched in April 2024, the DFR program is the first full-time initiative of its kind in Washington state and the Pacific Northwest, showcasing the department's commitment to public safety innovation. Chief Darrell Lowe stated that the department aims to continually enhance the program's capabilities. By integrating drones into their operations, the department has effectively responded to incidents involving armed individuals, DUIs, and missing persons. A notable deployment on November 13, 2024, involved a drone providing critical aerial visuals during a standoff, leading to a peaceful resolution.

Drones can be deployed within seconds, allowing for rapid response times in emergency situations, with an average arrival time of under 90 seconds. Since its inception, the DFR program has handled 813 calls, with drone responses leading to the cancellation of patrol units in 19% of cases. For more information on the DFR program, visit the Redmond Police Department's website.