Flock Safety scoops up Aerodome, boosting US-made drones

Drones as First Responder (DFR) tech specialist Aerodome has been acquired by Flock Safety, a company known for its public safety tech. The move brings Aerodome’s advanced drone capabilities into Flock Safety’s portfolio, aiming to make emergency responses quicker and safer for law enforcement.

Aerodome has made a name for itself with drones that can be deployed immediately during critical situations, offering real-time views of emergencies before officers arrive on the scene. This means police departments can better assess situations like accidents or crimes, potentially saving lives and reducing risks for first responders.

What sets Aerodome apart is its advanced DFR technology, which includes fully automated drone systems that don’t require a human pilot on-site. These drones can fly beyond visual range thanks to smart software that detects other nearby aircraft, ensuring safe operations. This kind of tech enables law enforcement to respond to incidents with fewer resources while still keeping an eye on the airspace.

Rahul Sidhu, cofounder of Aerodome, is enthusiastic about the new chapter with Flock Safety. Now serving as vice president of aviation at Flock, Sidhu says, “By tightly integrating DFR 2.0 technology into the Flock Safety rapid response product suite, we can accelerate the adoption of DFR across public safety to save lives and make communities safer.”

The acquisition means that Aerodome’s drones will now work alongside Flock Safety’s existing tools, such as license plate recognition cameras and gunshot detection systems. The result? A complete package that helps law enforcement agencies respond to incidents faster than ever before.

For example, Scottsdale Police chief Jeff Walther, who recently adopted Aerodome’s drones, highlights how the tech has already made a difference in his community. “Our Aerodome DFR program, which we just launched a few months ago, has already allowed us to respond to real-time emergencies faster and with more precision,” says Walther. He believes the partnership with Flock Safety will elevate their efforts to make Scottsdale safer.

As part of this acquisition, Flock Safety plans to roll out a series of American-made drones, all compliant with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), over the next year. These drones will meet strict security standards, allowing law enforcement agencies to access federal funding and ensure reliable operations.

Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley sees a bright future for these drones. “Anyone who’s seen a drone-as-first-responder program in action knows that this technology will play a central role in the future of public safety,” Langley says. “No other technology helps law enforcement officers get eyes on the scene faster than a drone.”

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