Montgomery Village News Articles
Drones taking flight
by Melanie Romano, 6th District Community Services Officer, Montgomery County Police Department
The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) is announcing a major enhancement to its nationally recognized Drone as First Responder program. Building on its successful launch in 2023, MCPD is transitioning to a next-generation, dock-based drone system that will expand coverage, improve response times, and increase operational efficiency.
As part of this enhancement, MCPD is replacing its current drones with dock-based Skydio systems deployed across six locations countywide. Each site will be equipped with two drone docks, allowing for extended operational coverage and the ability to deploy multiple drones simultaneously when needed. This dual-dock configuration ensures continuity of operations and provides the flexibility to respond to multiple incidents at the same time.
In coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration and other federal partners, MCPD will operate these drones beyond the visual line of sight without the need for a rooftop observer. This advancement allows for faster deployment, expanded range from each site, and increased hours of operation.
The MCPD Drone Program services the Montgomery Village and Gaithersburg areas.
Learn more at MCPD’s website.
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