By Dr. Henry White
Integrating drones into law enforcement has transformed policing, offering rapid response times, enhanced situational awareness, and improved officer and public safety. While the legal and ethical considerations surrounding drone usage remain relevant, the Montgomery County Police Department in Maryland provides a compelling case study of how drones can be effectively implemented in a real-world setting. The agency’s Drone as First Responder (DFR) program has improved response times and played a crucial role in de-escalating potentially dangerous encounters and securing convictions in court.
The birth of the Montgomery County Police Department drone program
Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) launched its drone program to enhance emergency response and assist specialized units, including the Accident Reconstructionist Unit. With drones strategically deployed in three locations — Silver Spring, Wheaton and Gaithersburg — the program enables officers to assess situations remotely before arriving on the scene.
Captain Nick Picerno, Commander of the MCPD Drone Program, explained that the department’s primary goal was to leverage drone technology to improve officer safety and enhance community policing efforts. “Drones provide critical intelligence before officers arrive, allowing for a more measured response,” Picerno said. “This reduces the likelihood of unnecessary force and ensures officers go in with as much information as possible.”
Drones deliver rapid response and real-time intelligence
One of the standout aspects of Montgomery County’s program is its efficiency. The average drone response time is 53 seconds, significantly faster than traditional patrol units. This speed is particularly beneficial in high-risk situations where every second counts.
For example, MCPD drones were deployed to a children’s playground following reports of an armed individual. Before officers arrived, the drone’s camera provided a clear aerial view, capturing the suspect lighting a cigarette with what appeared to be a firearm. The footage revealed that the object was a gun-shaped lighter, preventing a potentially dangerous escalation.
“Had officers arrived without that intelligence, they may have been forced to assume the worst,” Picerno said. “Instead, the drone allowed them to approach the situation with the right level of caution.”
In another case, drone footage was instrumental in securing a conviction. A drone captured real-time video of a suspect stabbing a victim, providing indisputable evidence in court. Such incidents highlight the invaluable role drones play not only in active policing but also in ensuring justice is served.
Challenges and regulatory hurdles for police drone programs
Despite its successes, the MCPD drone program faces several challenges, particularly regarding airspace regulations. Montgomery County’s proximity to Washington, D.C., places parts of the county within the District of Columbia Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ), requiring officers to request clearance every two hours while operating within restricted airspace.
“This can be a logistical headache, especially during training exercises,” Picerno said. “The constant need for authorization makes operations more complex than in jurisdictions without these restrictions.”
Another operational hurdle is staffing and piloting. MCPD employs contracted rooftop pilots who oversee initial drone deployment as a fail-safe measure. Once the drone reaches the designated location, a sworn officer with a Part 107 license assumes control. This hybrid approach ensures reliability but adds layers of coordination that some agencies may find challenging to implement.
How drones improve de-escalation and community trust
One of the most significant advantages of drones in law enforcement is their role in de-escalation. By providing real-time intelligence, drones allow officers to approach situations more clearly, reducing the likelihood of force being used unnecessarily.
“Drones let us see exactly what’s happening before we even get there,” Picerno said. “This allows us to tailor our response based on facts rather than assumptions.”
The program has also garnered strong support from the Chief of Police and the County Executive, who recognize the benefits of using drones to enhance public safety. Community outreach efforts, including public demonstrations and town hall discussions, have helped build trust and transparency, addressing concerns about surveillance and privacy.
Looking to the future
MCPD sees expansion as the next logical step for its drone program. Plans are in place to increase the number of drones available at existing district stations and explore the possibility of adding new launch sites.
As drone technology continues to evolve, future enhancements may include automated dispatching and AI-assisted analytics to improve response efficiency further. While challenges remain, Montgomery County’s program is a model for other agencies looking to implement drone programs responsibly and effectively.
Conclusion
Montgomery County’s Drone as First Responder program showcases how law enforcement can integrate drones into policing while maintaining public trust. By reducing response times, aiding investigations, and enhancing officer safety, drones have proven to be more than just a high-tech gadget — they are a critical tool for modern policing.
As other agencies consider launching similar programs, Montgomery County’s experience provides a roadmap for success. It demonstrates that when implemented thoughtfully, drones can be a force multiplier in public safety operations.
About the author
Dr. Henry White is a retired law enforcement commander and an experienced educator specializing in public safety, law enforcement technology and criminal justice policy. He currently serves as an Associate Professor in the Public Safety and Law Department at Prince George’s Community College and as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland Global Campus.
With an extensive career in law enforcement, Dr. White developed strategic technology initiatives and directed major projects for the Prince George’s County Police Department. His research interests focus on fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and communities, a theme explored in his doctoral dissertation, “Campus Police Officers Promoting Positive Relationships with College Students: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.”
In addition to his academic roles, Dr. White is an entrepreneur, leading a private security investigation company and an IT group specializing in cyber defense and AI computing. His work continues to bridge the gap between law enforcement practices and emerging technologies, ensuring public safety agencies remain at the forefront of innovation. Dr. White regularly contributes to discussions on policing, ethics and technology, offering insights into modern law enforcement challenges and solutions.
