Public Safety

Watch a crash scene documentation demo with Skydio X10. Drones are revolutionizing the way law enforcement gathers and analyzes critical evidence in crash and crime scene investigations. The unparalleled aerial perspectives allow for rapid, comprehensive scene documentation. Skydio X10 enables onboard generation of orthomosaic images and 3D modeling, so you can clear a scene with the confidence that you have all the data you need. Industry experts from Skydio will share insights into the data capture process with drones for 2D and 3D documentation of a scene. Watch to: -Understand the process for capturing a crash scene with Skydio X10 -View a live demonstration of Skydio 3D Scan capabilities and output -Review courtroom deliverables generated with FARO Zone 3D Expert software from the drone data Learn more about Skydio solutions for crash & crime scene documentation: https://www.skydio.com/solutions/public-safety/crime-and-crash-scene-documentation

Join Jakee Stoltz from the #skydio regulatory team for this informative webinar on "Summiting Mount Regulation for #DroneasFirstResponder (#DFR) Programs." Dive deep into Skydio's approach to scaling DFR programs through #regulatory efforts and discover how you can navigate the complex path of aviation safety and compliance. Key Learnings: -Regulatory Navigation: Understand the step-by-step process Skydio uses to help agencies obtain necessary regulatory approvals. -Safety First: Learn about Skydio's commitment to aviation safety and how they balance it with operational needs. -Operational Expertise: Gain insights from Skydio's team of experienced pilots and operators who bring real-world flying experience to regulatory solutions. -Technological Integration: Explore how Skydio leverages advanced technology, like ADS-B, for enhanced airspace awareness and safety. -Case Studies: Hear about successful implementations of DFR programs, including tactical operations and remote piloting scenarios. Learn more about Skydio Regulatory Services for Drone as First Responder programs: https://www.skydio.com/skydio-regulatory-services

Unlock the future of drone operations with Skydio's groundbreaking approach to Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. As public safety rapidly adopts drone technology, mastering aviation regulations is crucial to fully realizing the benefits of autonomous operations.

As extreme weather events become more frequent, the utility and transportation sectors must adapt to ensure resilient and efficient disaster response. In this session attendees will learn how remote monitoring and automated technologies can improve response times, enhance situational awareness, and improve worker safety during storms. Case studies and real-world examples will demonstrate the significant benefits of remote operations in maintaining service continuity, minimizing damage, and developing pre and post-event assessment strategies.

The OKCPD has implemented a drone program in which patrol officers are equipped with drones for rapid response to calls-in-progress in a method known as Patrol-Led Deployment. An advanced and effective UAS program in law enforcement, OKCPD is paving the way for other agencies to build drone programs at scale, gain actionable insights from aerial intelligence, and increase safety for first responders and the communities they serve. Paving the way to automated dock-based Drone as First Responder (DFR), join this session to learn about their program, their future with DFR deployments, and the effectiveness of drones in real calls for service through case studies.

In this impactful webinar, Noreen Charlton of Skydio and Captain Andrew Denbo from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office explore the life-saving potential of Drone as First Responder (DFR) technology. The session highlights a real-world case where drone technology was crucial in the swift rescue of a missing child. Key Takeaways: Critical Case Overview: The webinar centers on a high-stakes search and rescue mission in which a missing child, hidden in a rural area, was located using a drone. Despite exhaustive efforts by ground and air units, it was the drone's thermal imaging and advanced navigation capabilities that ultimately led to the child's safe recovery. Life-Saving Technology: The discussion underscores how drones can operate quietly, access difficult terrain, and provide real-time data, making them invaluable in urgent, life-saving missions. In this case, the drone's ability to detect heat signatures in dense terrain allowed officers to locate and rescue the child swiftly and safely. Expanding Public Safety Capabilities: The webinar emphasizes how DFR technology enhances traditional public safety efforts, offering quicker, more effective responses in emergencies. The success of this mission illustrates the growing role of drones in life-saving operations, showcasing their potential to transform public safety strategies. This webinar is a powerful testament to the effectiveness of drones in critical, time-sensitive missions, demonstrating their ability to save lives and improve public safety outcomes.

Hear firsthand how aerial robotics enhance safety and efficiency for global leaders.

Celebrate leaders driving remarkable results and reaching key milestones.

Explore the transformative impact of integrating Skydio drones into daily patrol operations. This session features experts Commander Jonathan Dobbs and Sergeant George Fuentes, highlighting real-world applications, including high-risk traffic stops, perimeter security, and missing persons cases.

In this live discussion, Rich is joined by Bryan King, a Solutions Engineer at Skydio. Together, they’ll walk through critical response scenarios like the one above and discuss their approach to assisting the communities impacted by Hurricane Milton. This session covers: - Neutralizing ignition risks: How teams prevented potential fire and explosion hazards caused by flammable vapor releases. - Situational awareness without exposure: Relieving on remote assessments is the new standard to make informed decisions without exposing personnel to unnecessary danger, even in unstable or toxic environments. - Seamless interagency communication: Understand how teams used live-streamed aerial views to coordinate communication with precision in real-time. - Reduced impact on the community: Essential gasoline supplies were made available within hours, keeping relief efforts on track and the community stable during the crisis. Join Rich and Bryan, seasoned professionals with over 40+ years of experience in public safety and emergency response to get answers to questions from the front lines.

In this webinar, public safety experts explored how Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs are transforming law enforcement operations by reducing response times, enhancing situational awareness, and improving resource allocation. Real-world examples from agencies like NYPD, Las Vegas Metro PD, and OKCPD showcase how drones arrive first on scene, providing officers with critical, live-streamed aerial views before they step out of their vehicles. Speakers also covered the financial impact of DFR, including cost savings on dispatches and air support, as well as key steps for launching or expanding a program. The session concluded with an engaging live demo, demonstrating DFR technology in action.

Join our expert-led webinar to delve into the groundbreaking FAA waiver granted to the NYPD, enabling Drone as First Responder (DFR) operations across 85% of New York City. Discover how this innovative solution improves response times, enhances officer safety, and delivers real-time situational awareness in complex urban settings. Gain valuable insights into how agencies like the NYPD are leveraging drones for shielded and non-shielded operations without visual observers. Hear from our industry expert, Jakee Stoltz, as he share details about the approval process, safety protocols, and strategies for scaling drone operations. Explore answers to common questions through an interactive Q&A session, providing practical advice for agencies looking to start or expand their own drone programs. Whether you're at the beginning stages or seeking to scale, this webinar offers the knowledge and tools needed to deploy drones safely and effectively.

In this fireside chat, Phil Gonshak of Skydio hosts a discussion with public safety drone pioneers Vern Sallee of Axon and Kabe Termes of Skydio. They reflect on the origins of the Drone as First Responder (DFR) program at Chula Vista Police Department, the public-private partnerships that enabled it, and the regulatory and community transparency challenges they overcame. The conversation explores how DFR has evolved from early rooftop operations to today’s autonomous, dock-based deployments powered by Skydio’s X10 drones and Axon’s integrated ecosystem. They highlight the shift from drone programs as tactical tools to scalable infrastructure that supports multiple city functions, and the unique advantages of the Skydio-Axon partnership in reliability, real-time awareness, and policy-compliant deployment. The session concludes with audience Q&A on COA processes, community engagement, rural connectivity, and Skydio's roadmap for scaling drone use across public safety and beyond.

In this on-demand session, Noreen Charlton, Public Safety Strategy Lead at Skydio, is joined by Lieutenant Anthony Riccardi of the San Mateo Police Department to walk through how to launch and scale a Drone as First Responder (DFR) program using real call-for-service data. The webinar outlines the full progression from single-drone deployments to fully operational dock-based DFR systems, emphasizing how public safety agencies can take a crawl-walk-run approach. Riccardi shares San Mateo’s rapid advancement through these stages and the tactical advantages of remote and autonomous operations. The session reinforces DFR’s value not just for law enforcement, but as a citywide infrastructure asset—supporting fire, public works, and other civic missions.

FAA policy for public safety is shifting fast—and it just got a lot easier to start or scale your Drone as First Responder (DFR) program. The FAA has created a new waiver process for public safety operations - offering a streamlined path to obtaining a Part 91 BVLOS Certificate of Waiver (COW). The process cuts approval times in half, offers a path to fly above UAS Facility Map altitudes, and doesn’t even require a CAPS application! Join regulatory expert Jakee Stoltz as he breaks down exactly how the new process works and what it means for your agency. Whether you’re launching a new program or expanding advanced operations, this session will give you the clarity and confidence to navigate the latest FAA process updates.

The FAA’s new Part 91 BVLOS waiver process opened the door to faster approvals—but what exactly does the waiver allow, and where are the limits? In this session, regulatory expert Jakee Stoltz will walk you through the real-world permissions, constraints, and operational details of the new Certificate of Waiver (COW). From altitudes and airspace to visual observer requirements and beyond, you’ll get a clear understanding of how to maximize your operations while staying fully compliant.

Led by grant expert Kathy Wood in partnership with Skydio, this webinar provides practical strategies for securing funding to launch or expand Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs. It outlines key federal, state, and local grant opportunities, emphasizes the importance of community collaboration and consistent outreach, and shares case studies of successful grant-funded DFR initiatives. Kathy also offers tips on grant layering, using nonprofit partners to unlock funding, and positioning your program for sustainability. The session highlights Skydio’s support through its “Skydio for All” community engagement program, the Axon SkySwap initiative, and grant writing assistance via [email protected].

In Episode 5 of Skydio’s Regulatory Series, Jakee Stoltz from Skydio’s Regulatory Team shared the latest on FAA approvals for public safety agencies operating drones beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS)—with special focus on the growing number of 400-foot waivers. What was once a slow and complex process is now being streamlined, with 200-foot approvals averaging just five days and 400-foot approvals coming through in as little as 21 days. Joining Jakee were Sergeant Jay Kemme and Sergeant Ben Miller of the Cincinnati Police Department, who detailed their four-year journey to launching a rooftop drone program now covering 90% of the city. They were joined by Travis Scott, VP of Commercial Sales at Dedrone by Axon, who spoke to the importance of radar-based detect-and-avoid systems in achieving safe and scalable DFR (Drone as First Responder) operations. Together, the panel shared key insights into waiver strategies, rooftop deployment, airspace deconfliction, and lessons learned for agencies looking to scale quickly and safely.

Hosted by Phil Gonshak with Mayor Lily Wu and Chief Joe Sullivan, the webinar showcased how Wichita is turning its aviation DNA into a modern public safety advantage with Skydio. In 2024 the city bought six Skydio X10s and launched pilot training with Wichita State University. By 2025 it had three docks, three training classes, and twenty-nine certified pilots, with full DFR going live from the Real-Time Information Center. Sullivan emphasized hard-won FAA compliance, a public flight-transparency dashboard, and a deliberate de-escalation mindset, using drones to get eyes on barricaded suspects, guide officers into large events like Riverfest, find missing children, and even curb property crime by preventing dangerous pursuits. Wu framed the effort as part of a broader smart city vision, with innovation grounded in research partnerships such as WSU and WSU Tech, and community trust built through upfront engagement. Looking ahead, Wichita is expanding Drone as First Responder beyond policing to fire, public works, and infrastructure inspections, treating drones as citywide infrastructure rather than a single-department tool. The program’s cross-department collaboration, including docks on fire stations and RTIC interns from WSU, lowers costs while raising capability, creating a transparent, data-driven model other cities can copy. The throughline is simple and compelling: pair autonomy with accountability, use data to earn buy-in, and scale responsibly, from today’s rapid response and scene assessment to tomorrow’s payload missions like Narcan delivery, so Wichita can respond faster, act smarter, and keep its community safer without sacrificing trust.

Discover how San Mateo, CA turned Drone as First Responder (DFR) from concept to reality. In this fireside chat, Phil Gonshak (Skydio, former Chief of Police and County Manager) sits down with San Mateo City Manager Alex Khojikian to unpack how the city built trust with council, aligned police and civic leaders, and secured community support for a cutting-edge DFR program. From slashing response times to addressing privacy and funding concerns head-on, this session delivers real-world strategies any city can adapt.

Skydio’s regulatory lead Jakee Stoltz and product director Sujoy Banerjee, explain how public safety agencies can secure FAA authorization to fly drones Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) in restricted “zero grid” airspace and manage multiple drones at once. Using Las Vegas Metro PD as a case study, they outlined the step-by-step process for obtaining airspace approvals through the CAPS portal and highlighted new Skydio tools—like custom map layers, terrain-following Pathfinder, and an updated Remote Flight Deck interface—that simplify compliance. The session also introduced Skydio’s multi-drone capability, allowing a single pilot to operate up to four X10s simultaneously, improving coverage, staffing efficiency, and real-time response for Drone as First Responder programs.

Commander Tom Maguire explains how San Francisco’s Real Time Investigation Center uses a “team of teams” approach, combining skilled officers with tools like automated license plate readers, Skydio drone-as-first-responder systems, cameras, and analytics to support short-staffed patrol units, respond faster, and act with more precision. By centralizing drone operations and ALPR in the RTIC, they can quickly identify suspect vehicles and people, coordinate plainclothes and patrol responses, and avoid unnecessary pursuits or stops, which improves safety, reduces use-of-force risk, and builds stronger cases for prosecutors. He highlights dramatic crime reductions, including about a 44% drop in auto theft and a roughly 74% drop in auto burglary over two years, attributing those results to both technology and the people using it well. Real examples include catching organized retail thieves, stopping auto burglary crews in tourist areas, and intercepting armed suspects in stolen cars by quietly disabling vehicles and guiding low-key arrests. Maguire stresses that agencies of any size can start small with a computer, radio, a few motivated people, and basic tech, then scale up, and he notes growing national and international interest in this model as departments look to modernize public safety while minimizing collateral harm.

Episode 7 looks back on the rapid growth of public safety BVLOS in 2025, then resets the conversation around how agencies can successfully request and operate under a Part 91 BVLOS waiver today. Jakee Stoltz from the Skydio Regulatory Team explains what has changed in the FAA’s process since early 2025, how 200’ and 400’ waivers differ in real-world use, and what agencies need to submit to move through approvals smoothly. The session also covers how BVLOS works in controlled airspace, what it takes to operate near airports and zero grids, and how teams should think about training, airspace awareness, and operational responsibility under Part 91. The discussion wraps with practical guidance on airspace authorizations, common questions from agencies at different stages, and how to move forward now while keeping an eye on future rulemaking.

This webinar outlines how public safety agencies can prepare drone operations for FIFA World Cup security. Skydio and Las Vegas Metro PD share practical lessons from large-scale events: stress-test and build redundancy into connectivity, formalize pre-event plans (ConOps, staffing, communications, safety, and regulatory coordination), and use drone-based 2D/3D site mapping to plan perimeters, resources, and response strategies before venues become “temporary cities.” The session also covers staffing models for sustained operations, simulator-based pilot training with Skydio Paraverse, proactive community education to reduce rogue drone incursions, and how to secure the right FAA approvals and TFR access in advance to ensure uninterrupted operations during match days.

In this webinar, Jakee and Sujoy shared that multi-drone operations are now live and rolling out to agencies, enabling one pilot to operate up to four drones and fundamentally changing how DFR programs scale. The focus wasn’t just the feature, but the impact: reducing pilot staffing needs, lowering program costs, and increasing flexibility to handle overlapping or simultaneous incidents. They walked through how it works in Remote Flight Deck, how autonomy and deconfliction make it manageable, and the real-world ways agencies are using it today, from transitioning between calls to maintaining continuous coverage. They also covered the FAA path, which requires a new but familiar agency-level waiver, supported by documentation to streamline approval.

Traditional pre-incident planning (PDFs, CAD drawings, or static maps) does not prepare a unified command for the complexity of dense stadium environments, layered transit corridors, temporary structures, and evolving security perimeters. As agencies prepare for FIFA, planning cannot rely on static diagrams or assumptions. It requires accurate, real-world data of the environments you will be responsible for securing. This session brings together public safety leaders and 3D mapping experts to discuss how agencies are using autonomous, drone-captured imagery to generate high-fidelity 3D scans, photogrammetry-based point clouds, and measurable digital twins of stadiums and surrounding infrastructure. Skydio’s Jason LaFond and Noreen Charlton will be joined by Captain Tyler Grosser (Kansas City Fire Department) and Bret Gardner from GNext to share practical approaches to strengthening operational readiness for large-scale events. What you’ll learn: - How to capture stadium and surrounding infrastructure as measurable 3D planning environments - The difference between a visual 3D model and an operationally usable digital twin - How to use models for tabletop exercises and command-level scenario planning - Where 3D modeling reduces decision friction in unified command and interagency coordination - How to pressure-test infrastructure, staffing, and airspace plans before public scrutiny This session is built for agencies actively managing FIFA operations and seeking clear, implementation-focused guidance.

Many agencies struggle to finalize DFR policy because they treat it like a traditional drone program and secondary to patrol operations. Minnetonka Police Department approached DFR differently. From the beginning, they viewed DFR as a response capability, not a specialized tool. That meant building structured flight standards, formalized procedures, and clear legal defensibility for every mission. In this session, Deputy Chief Jason Tait and Supervisor Garith Scherck will walk through how they structured, implemented, and operationalized their DFR policy to support daily flight operations under Minnesota state law. Key takeaways: - The structural difference between a specialized drone program and a fully operational response model - What operational discipline looks like in a program that flies every day - How to design reporting structures that ensure accountability and withstand public scrutiny - The early decisions Minnetonka made that allowed them to scale with confidence This webinar examines a working system used daily by an active DFR program. Attendees will leave with a clear framework for aligning policy, procedure, and documentation so DFR programs scale responsibly, transparently, and defensibly. Hosted by Noreen Charlton, Public Safety Strategy at Skydio, the session will conclude with live audience Q&A.

Deploying multi-drone DFR at scale means using distributed drones, hives, autonomy, staffing, and disciplined procedures to maintain coverage, reduce response gaps, and support patrol without overloading operators. In this session, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Lead Pilot, Joseph Russie, discusses how LVMPD's drones arrive first, provide real-time situational awareness, relieve officers during pursuits and containment, clear lower-priority calls without patrol response, and sustain operations across a large, high-volume jurisdiction. Hosted by Noreen Charlton, Public Safety Strategy at Skydio, the session will conclude with live audience Q&A.