Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Unveils Skydio Drone First Responder Program

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office in Ohio has announced a comprehensive Drones as Socorristas (DFR) program that will revolutionize their emergency response capabilities through automated drone deployment. The program, implemented in partnership with Skydio, represents one of the most ambitious automated drone response systems planned for law enforcement in the Midwest, according to WCPO.

Program Scale and Implementation

The Sheriff’s Office plans to deploy 15 Skydio drones across Hamilton County by early 2027, according to Lt. Steve Sabers. The deployment strategy includes three drones stationed in fixed “docks” throughout the county, with the remaining 12 units distributed among deputy cruisers. This hybrid approach allows for both rapid automated response and mobile deployment capabilities.

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Technical Infrastructure and Capabilities

The program leverages several advanced technological features that distinguish it from traditional drone operations:

The system operates through multiple connection protocols, primarily utilizing LTE telecommunications infrastructure, enabling remote pilot control anywhere within cellular coverage. This capability is supported by special FAA first responder waivers that permit beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations and flights over vehicles and populated areas.

Kevin Boyle, Skydio’s head of major accounts, revealed that the system integrates with emergency dispatch systems, allowing pilots to deploy drones to incident locations with minimal manual intervention. The technology platform includes advanced features such as:

• Automated dispatch capabilities for specific call types
• Integration with Axon body-worn camera systems
• Augmented reality location marking for officer positions
• Remote pilot operations from a centralized command center

Integration with Existing Systems

The drone program is part of a comprehensive 10-year contract with Axon, creating a unified ecosystem of body-worn cameras, dashboard cameras, and data management systems. This integration enables advanced features such as augmented reality positioning, where drones can automatically locate and respond to officers based on their body camera locations.

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Operational Goals and Safety Considerations

The Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that the drone program is designed to supplement, not replace, traditional law enforcement response. Primary applications include:

• Pre-arrival scene assessment
• Oversight during high-risk situations
• Traffic stop monitoring
• Domestic violence response support

Lt. Sabers projects a 20% reduction in man-hours for calls for service, based on data from similar implementations in other jurisdictions. The department has explicitly stated that no offensive capabilities will be added to the drones, adhering to strict FAA regulations.

Policy Framework and Public Safety

The implementation includes what Skydio’s Boyle describes as an “ironclad policy” governing automated dispatch protocols. The program’s deployment locations and operational parameters will be continuously refined based on field deputy feedback, ensuring effective integration with existing law enforcement practices.

Industry Implications

This implementation represents a significant advancement in the integration of automated drone systems in law enforcement operations. The combination of BVLOS capabilities, automated dispatch, and integration with existing emergency response infrastructure could serve as a model for other jurisdictions considering similar programs.

The program highlights the evolving landscape of public safety drone operations, particularly in the context of BVLOS operations and artificial intelligence integration in emergency response scenarios.

As this program develops, it will provide valuable insights into the practical applications of automated drone response systems and their effectiveness in enhancing public safety operations while maintaining appropriate operational guidelines and community safety considerations.