‘Monumental’ Grant Helps Ease Pressing Staff Shortage

Redmond Police are celebrating the FAA’s decision to grant them a beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) waiver for expanded drone operations. This helps to ease tensions caused by the department’s staff shortage.

"It reduces our staffing by 50%," explained Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe. "I don't have to have an observer watching the airspace around our drone, and it allows our pilot to operate wherever we have cell phone coverage.”

The new waiver allows Redmond Police drone pilots to fly their system outside of visual range, which is typically prohibited under standard regulations. Certified officers can now pilot response missions without requiring a secondary observer.

Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs have become increasingly popular in recent years. It started with California’s Chula Vista PD, expanding to more than 20 across the US. Redmond deployed its drone fleet in April with a DJI Matrice 3D, though it plans to switch to American-made systems in the coming months. The city has already put its DFR program to the test in real-life scenarios.

"One out of four calls, we don't need to physically send an officer on the ground because we've assessed the situation from the air, and we're able to clear the call from the air," stated Lowe. "This technology will never replace people or the need for people, but it is an enhancement."

Regions surrounding Redmond are likely to feel the effects of the BLVOS waiver, too. The city is allowed to aid other areas in the case of a major case. Also, just the existence of Redmond’s DFR program and BVLOS certification helps introduce nearby authorities to the benefits of drones.

Redmond is now the second PD on the West Coast to earn a visual reference exemption.

"It's incredibly exciting for the Redmond Police Department and the Redmond community, but for the region, this is a huge win,’ Lowe continued.

FMI: www.redmond.gov/167/Police