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Police drone program operating as a first responder; AED deliveries planned by year’s end
Summary
The police department described a drone‑as‑first‑responder program that has flown on 19 calls and averaged under three minutes to scene; the department said it plans to equip drones to deliver automated external defibrillators (AEDs) later this year.
James City County Police briefed the supervisors on a drone‑as‑first‑responder (DFR) initiative the department began flying in April 2025. Sergeant Sykes (presenting) said the drone team — eight certified pilots operating seven drone types — has flown on 19 successful calls (police and fire) and that the drone arrived before patrol units in all but one instance, with an average response time under three minutes.
Why it matters: Drones can provide rapid aerial situational awareness at large or difficult‑to‑search scenes, helping responders size up risk and determine required resources. The department cited a prior successful search at Busch Gardens in which drones cleared extensive terrain faster than foot search teams.
Next steps: The department said AED delivery is the program’s next step; they have completed initial flights and are preparing procurement and FAA compliance steps, with hopes to begin AED delivery operations by year’s end. The department emphasized coordination with the fire department and hospital partners for medical response integration.
Board response: Supervisors asked about operational limits and legal constraints; staff noted state law restricts public‑safety drone use to defined circumstances (e.g., imminent danger, search operations) and said they are working within those rules. No board action was required.
