LONDON — The Redmond Police Department just became the first police agency in Washington to operate drones without a visual observer.
The department announced Monday that it received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Those who want to operate a drone for public safety and commercial purposes are required to get a license or certificate through the FAA and are required to have a visual observer unless they’ve earned the right to fly solo.
The Redmond Police Department says its FAA approval marks a major milestone for its Drones As First Responders program.
“As a premier law enforcement agency, this approval exemplifies our commitment to leveraging advanced and innovative technology to protect our community,” Chief Darrell Lowe said in a news release. “This is a monumental step toward improving response times and enhancing public safety, efficiency, and potential applications.”
The Redmond Police Department has been using a drone to respond to some 911 calls since April. It’s part of the department’s Drone As A First Responder pilot program, which helps officers assess scenes before ground units arrive.
KIRO 7 spoke to the department in June about the program. At the time, they said they planned to grow the fleet to three drones, with capabilities for two-way communication and to deliver emergency supplies.
It took the department about a year to earn the approval to pilot drones without a visual observer, collaborating closely with the FAA.
Redmond’s department is just one of a handful of police units nationwide to earn FAA’s approval.
We proudly announce we are the first in WA to receive FAA approval to operate drones without a visual observer. Previously, FAA regulations required a physical observer in addition to the pilot for all drone flights.
— RedmondWaPD (@RedmondWaPD) November 26, 2024
This approval sets a new national standard for Drones as First… pic.twitter.com/GTGU4uKXYf
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