This episode was recorded at Axon Week 2024. Axon Week 2025 will take place April 22-25 in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more at https://www.axonweek.com/.
Download this week’s episode on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Spotify or via RSS feed, and watch the video version on Police1’s YouTube channel.
In this special episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley talks with Adam Bry, CEO of Skydio, and City of Miami Beach Police Department Sergeant Anthony Loperfido about the revolutionary role of drones in modern law enforcement. The discussion, recorded live at Axon Week 2024 in Miami Beach, delves into the capabilities of Skydio’s latest X10 drone, designed with direct feedback from public safety professionals.
They explore how these advanced drones are transforming police operations, from providing real-time aerial intelligence to enabling autonomous, remote-controlled missions that can significantly enhance officer safety and operational efficiency. This episode sheds light on the future of drones as first responders and their potential to redefine the landscape of public safety.
About our sponsor
This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by Axon, a global leader in public safety technology. To learn more about Axon’s ecosystem of hardware and software products for policing defense and security, visit Axon.com.
Key takeaways
- Advancements in autonomous drone technology: Bry and Sgt. Loperfido discussed the significant progress in drone technology, particularly the Skydio X10’s remote flight and autonomous capabilities, which are making it easier for law enforcement to deploy drones quickly and efficiently in a variety of scenarios.
- Drone as First Responder (DFR) concept: The conversation explored the future potential of Drones as First Responders. Both guests highlighted how this concept is moving closer to reality, with drones being automatically deployed to critical incidents, providing essential intelligence before officers even arrive on the scene.
- Integration with real time crime centers: Sgt. Loperfido emphasized how drones can be operated remotely from real time crime centers, allowing for centralized control and monitoring, which is crucial for maintaining situational awareness and making informed decisions during high-pressure situations.
- Practical applications in law enforcement: Sgt. Loperfido also shared real-world examples of how the City of Miami Beach Police Department uses drones for various purposes, including tactical operations and locating missing persons, demonstrating how drones are becoming a versatile tool in daily police work.
- Future vision for law enforcement tools: The discussion concluded with a vision for the future, where drones could become as common and essential as radios or handcuffs in law enforcement, with officers potentially being issued drones as standard equipment to enhance their effectiveness on the job.
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