California’s Elk Grove Police Department (EGPD) is officially soaring to new heights — literally. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted EGPD a groundbreaking Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) waiver, making them the first law enforcement agency in the US to fly drones at 400 feet across an entire city — without human spotters.
This waiver, secured with the help of Flock Safety, allows EGPD to use Flock Aerodome, a multi-drone, radar-powered Drone as First Responder (DFR) system that dramatically improves emergency response times.
Why 400-feet police drones matter for public safety
With drones now cleared to fly twice as high as previous BVLOS waivers, EGPD can see more, respond faster, and operate more discreetly. Here’s why that’s a game-changer:
- Bigger picture, better results: At 400 feet, drones have four times the field of view compared to the previous 200-foot limit, helping officers track suspects, locate missing persons, and assess emergencies more efficiently.
- Faster response times: The higher altitude reduces the need for repositioning, shaving precious seconds off emergency response — which can be the difference between life and death.
- Stealth mode activated: Higher flights mean quieter drones, making it harder for suspects to detect them, reducing the chances of suspects fleeing and preventing dangerous car chases.
- Less disruption, more security: No more buzzing overhead — at 400 feet, these drones are practically invisible to residents, keeping the peace while keeping the community safe.
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EGPD’s DFR program has come a long way since launching in May 2024. Initially, human visual observers (VOs) were stationed on rooftops, keeping an eye on airborne drones. But thanks to advanced Detect and Avoid (DAA) technology, the drones now handle that job themselves. This next-gen tech seamlessly integrates with EGPD’s Real-Time Information Center (RTIC), providing live aerial intelligence to officers on the ground. That means:
- Instant suspect tracking during ongoing crimes
- Better coordination between drones and ground officers
- Faster, smarter decision-making in emergencies
With over 1,000 successful flights under its belt, EGPD’s drone program is proving to be a game-changer in modern policing. Importantly, these drones are used only in response to emergency calls, ensuring they enhance public safety without unnecessary surveillance.
“The approval of our BVLOS waiver is a monumental step forward for our DFR Program,” says Elk Grove Police Chief Bobby Davis. “This advancement reflects our commitment to leveraging innovative technology to enhance public safety while maintaining accountability and transparency in our operations.”
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