Montgomery County Police Department is expanding its Drone as First Responder program to Bethesda, following a successful launch in November 2023. The drones, equipped with live video feeds, respond to 911 calls in under 90 seconds and assist officers in assessing situations to plan responses more effectively. The program has already helped in apprehending suspects in incidents such as shoplifting, robberies, and assaults.
Despite privacy concerns, County Executive Marc Elrich clarified that the drones are only deployed during incidents, not for general surveillance, to assist in emergencies. The drones are a valuable tool in deescalating situations, improving response times and supporting officers in real-time. Councilmember Andrew Friedson highlighted the drones’ role in making communities safer and emphasized the importance of integrating advanced technology into policing strategies to enhance emergency response capabilities.
Montgomery County has approved funding for two more drones, expanding the fleet to further improve emergency response capabilities. The data dashboard shows that theft and robbery cases are the most common incidents where drones are deployed, and each drone deployment is publicly documented on the police department’s website for transparency. With the expansion of the program to Bethesda, the Montgomery County Police Department aims to address manpower shortages and innovate in public safety, showcasing their commitment to leveraging technology for effective policing strategies.
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