News Releases

Montgomery County Police Drone Program Marks One Year Milestone

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Gaithersburg, MD – The Montgomery County Department of Police is marking the first year of its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, launched on November 20, 2023. Over the past year, the program has proven to be a valuable tool in improving response times, enhancing situational awareness, and increasing the efficiency of police operations.

Program Highlights

Since its inception, the DFR program has accomplished several milestones:

• Expanded Service Area: The program now operates from three active sites in Montgomery County, responding to over 1,670 calls for service.
• Improved Response Times: Drones arrived first on the scene in 71% of cases (1,185 calls) with an average response time of 71 seconds. For many calls, drones reached the scene in under a minute.
• Resource Efficiency: Drones allowed officers to clear approximately 257 calls for service without dispatching patrol units, freeing up over 500 officers to address other responsibilities.
• Assisting in Critical Situations: Drones assisted in locating more than 450 individuals, including crime suspects, individuals experiencing mental health crises, and missing persons.
• National Recognition: MCPD was the first Major Cities Chiefs Association agency to implement a DFR program and received the 2024 National Association of Counties Achievement Award in the Criminal Justice and Public Safety category.

The DFR program uses unmanned aircraft systems (drones) to respond to 911 calls for service, often arriving before or alongside patrol officers. The live video feed provided by the drone helps officers assess the situation and develop an appropriate response.

On April 17, 2024, the “Raven 1” drone responded to a reported altercation at Georgia Avenue and Sligo Avenue in Silver Spring. The drone captured video evidence of an assault and tracked the suspect, helping officers to safely apprehend the individual without injury or use of force. This was the first case in which drone footage played a primary role in securing a jury conviction in Circuit Court.

“I could not be prouder of the success of our Drone as First Responder program,” said Chief Marc Yamada. “This first-year milestone represents countless hours of hard work turning a vision into reality."

"This success is truly a group effort," Chief Yamada continued. "It was made possible by police executives who developed the program, other law enforcement agencies with existing DFR programs who shared their knowledge and experiences, and the County Executive’s Office and County Council, who supported the vision and empowered the program."

"Most importantly," Chief Yamada added, "I want to thank the community for their trust in the department and their belief that we would run a transparent and effective program."

MCPD is working to expand the DFR program into new areas, including Bethesda, to enhance its operational capabilities and continue providing effective public safety services.

For more information about the Drone as First Responder program, visit MCPD Drone Program.

 

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Release ID: 24-542
Media Contact: S.D. Goff 
Categories: press-releases