Eugene expands drone-as-first-responder program; officials cite faster situational awareness and safety gains

Eugene — The Eugene Police Department outlined an expanded drone program on Jan. 9, saying drones are increasingly used to provide rapid situational awareness, reduce risky officer contacts and support multiple teams including SWAT and patrol.

Police sergeant Kyle Williams, who leads the department’s drone work, told the Eugene Police Commission that the program started as a pilot and has grown into a department-wide capability that now trains officers, dispatchers and community service officers to fly drones. Williams said the department operates interior “tiny” drones for building searches and larger weatherproof platforms with thermal and zoom cameras for overwatch and scene scanning.

The program now includes a Metro team with Springfield Police Department and uses commercial platforms, specialized software and remote “drone docks” placed in neighborhoods. Williams said the EPD is operating under an FAA authorization for beyond‑visual‑line‑of‑sight testing, and the department is pursuing a full BVLOS waiver to remove some visual‑observer constraints.

“Drones really are about creating space,” Williams said during the…