FAA clears Campbell police for round-the-clock drone missions

The Campbell Police Department in California has become the first to receive a special waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations as part of its Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program. This groundbreaking approval allows the department to fly drones during nighttime too.

DFR programs have transformed emergency response by providing police with real-time situational awareness, allowing officers to better assess situations before arriving on the scene. Previously, visibility concerns restricted the use of drones after dark, limiting the effectiveness of these programs. With this new waiver under part 91.113(b), Campbell PD is now able to use the DedroneBeyond system for continuous drone operations, day and night.

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Since launching its DFR program in 2022, Campbell PD has relied on human visual observers for daytime BVLOS operations. The new FAA approval enables them to operate drones using DedroneBeyond’s ground-based detect-and-avoid system, which functions as a virtual observer. This technology allows drones to be quickly deployed, fly up to 400 feet, and navigate directly to incident locations, regardless of time or weather conditions. The system’s AI-powered sensors safely detect and avoid crewed aircraft, ensuring smooth and efficient missions.

Chief Gary Berg of the Campbell Police Department emphasizes the milestone’s impact, stating, “This FAA approval is a major milestone for our department and our community. With the ability to conduct drone operations day or night without the need for visual observers, we can respond faster and more effectively to emergencies, improving both officer and public safety.”

This achievement marks a pivotal moment for public safety advancements in the United States while highlighting the evolving role of drones in law enforcement. As more police departments look to adopt advanced drone technologies, the Campbell PD’s success could serve as a model for integrating these tools into broader public safety efforts.

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