Everett Police to dispatch drones in risky situations

The Everett Police Department is set to launch its innovative Drone as a First Responder pilot program, aimed at bolstering public safety through enhanced situational assessments. According to Officer Natalie Given, trained drone pilots will deploy drones from a rooftop dock, providing a live video feed that aids officers in evaluating situations before arriving on the scene. The drones boast advanced capabilities, including zoom and thermal cameras, and can cover an area of 38 square miles while maintaining a speed of 53 miles per hour with a response time of about 86-90 seconds. This initiative marks Everett as the second police department in Washington to adopt drone technology, following the successful implementation of a license plate reader program that significantly reduced automobile theft. The partnership with Flock Safety, which will provide the drones at no cost for the first year, aims to optimize resource allocation and minimize the need for additional officer involvement.

Community outreach has been prioritized, with meetings held to educate residents about the drones' functions and policies. The police department plans to revise its unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) policy to ensure accountability and adherence to civil rights and FAA regulations. Key performance indicators will track the program's effectiveness, focusing on response times and the successful identification of suspects.