Columbus Police Launch New RAVEN Drone Program

The Columbus Division of Police has introduced a new program called RAVEN, as reported by ABC6. The name stands for Rapid Aerial Visual Enforcement Network. The goal is to improve public safety by giving officers fast access to aerial views during emergencies across Central Ohio.

RAVEN is a pilot program designed to support the Division’s aviation unit. It brings Skydio drone technology directly into frontline police work. Deputy Chief Robert Sagle, who oversees Special Operations, said the system gives officers a faster, safer, and more efficient way to respond during critical calls.

The plan is simple. During the test phase, four Skydio X10 drones will be placed in different parts of Columbus. Each drone will launch straight from a patrol cruiser.

Officers showed how fast the system works by deploying a drone from a cruiser in seconds. This type of rapid launch can help officers get eyes in the air far quicker than traditional methods.

Weather is another key factor. Helicopters cannot fly during some storms or low visibility conditions. Drones can often fly in those moments and give officers the ability to see more of a scene. Close views are also easier with drones, which can hover at low altitudes without disturbing a situation.

How RAVEN Will Support Police Work

Columbus Police plan to use the drones during a wide range of calls. Missing person searches are one of the most important areas. A drone can scan fields, rivers, parks, and neighborhoods much faster than officers on the ground. This speed is critical when time is a factor.

Suspicious person calls, suspicious vehicle calls, and reports of possible criminal activity are also ideal for drones. Officers can place a drone above a location to gather information before approaching. This method improves safety for officers and the public.

The drones will help with crowd monitoring during major events. Large crowds make it difficult for officers to track movement on the ground. Drones give them a wider view and help them respond when something changes quickly.

Crime scene and accident reconstruction is another major use. A drone can capture overhead images and video that help investigators understand how an incident happened. This process is faster and often more accurate than traditional measurements and diagrams.

Police also expect drones to help with in progress crimes, burglaries, alarm calls, and search and rescue missions. These calls benefit from quick aerial views that show where suspects or victims might be located.

The department stressed that all drone flights will follow the Fourth Amendment and all legal standards. Anything that requires a search warrant will still require a search warrant. Drone operators must follow the same rules that apply to any other method of collecting evidence.

To prepare for the program, the Division trained 14 FAA certified drone pilots. Eleven are officers and three are sergeants. Each pilot took part in a two week training program. The training included FAA rules, manufacturer instruction, legal briefings, and field exercises that placed pilots in realistic situations. The department says this is not technology they distribute lightly. Operators must show that they can fly safely and follow the Constitution.

Building a Stronger Public Safety Network

Columbus Police have used drones from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office many times through mutual aid. These flights have helped officers during complex cases. But the number of calls and the need for fast aerial awareness are increasing. This made it clear that the Division needed its own system.

Columbus Fire is starting its own drone program as well. Both agencies are now working together to create a unified public safety drone strategy. The goal is to improve coordination and give both teams access to shared tools. With a unified system, Columbus could develop one of the most advanced public safety drone networks in the region.

Residents may see drones more often at scenes as the program grows. Police will track how often drones fly and will study how useful they are in real emergencies. This will help the Division decide whether to expand the program in the future.

Deputy Chief Sagle says the mission is simple. If drones can make the community safer, the department is ready to use them. At the same time, officers want to understand the impact of the technology before adding more aircraft.

DroneXL’s Take

Columbus is joining a growing list of cities that see drones as essential tools for public safety. Launching drones from patrol cars is becoming one of the biggest trends in police operations because it cuts response times and provides instant awareness. If the RAVEN pilot phase shows strong results, Columbus could shift toward a full drone as first responder system. This would place the city among the leaders in modern drone supported emergency response.

Photo credit: WSYX