Aerodome Powers Elk Grove Police’s First FAA-Approved 400-Foot Citywide Drone as First Responder Program
Aerodome is an innovative startup that provides an end-to-end automated drone response system for police and fire departments.
In a groundbreaking development for public safety, portfolio company Aerodome, a radar-based Drone as First Responder (DFR) system acquired by Flock Safety, has taken a monumental leap forward. The Elk Grove Police Department (EGPD) is now the first law enforcement agency in the U.S. to receive a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) waiver for 400-foot drone operations without human observers. This milestone represents a new chapter in drone technology, offering law enforcement unmatched capabilities for rapid response and situational awareness.
A New Era for DFR Programs
The FAA’s waiver allows EGPD to operate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) at 400 feet citywide using Flock Safety’s Aerodome system. This technology integrates multiple drone docks and radar-based detect-and-avoid (DAA) technology to autonomously mitigate collision risks, ensuring safer operations.
Flying at 400 feet provides key advantages:
Expanded Field of View: Coverage increases fourfold compared to 200-foot operations, allowing for faster searches.
Improved Response Times: Larger coverage areas enhance situational awareness and reduce response time.
Enhanced Safety and Stealth: Higher altitudes make drones quieter and less visible, reducing noise complaints and increasing tactical effectiveness.
Rahul Sidhu, Co-Foundef of Aerodome and now Flock Safety’s Vice President of Aviation, highlights the significance of operational altitude flexibility: “Our vision has always been to provide our customers with technology that supports BVLOS operations at whatever altitude they feel is best for their mission.”
Aerodome in Action: Elk Grove’s Success Story
EGPD Chief Bobby Davis proudly reflected on this milestone: “We are incredibly proud to lead the way as the first law enforcement agency in the nation to secure a BVLOS waiver. This milestone exemplifies our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge solutions to enhance public safety and better serve our Elk Grove community.”
With over 1,000 drone flights completed, EGPD has demonstrated how DFR technology can improve response efficiency while reducing the risks of traditional policing methods.
Why 400 Feet Matters
Flying at 400 feet isn’t just about coverage; it’s about effectiveness and safety. Lt. Nate Lange of EGPD shared: “The higher we fly, the better vantage we have. We can be virtually on-scene faster with fewer obstructions.”
Community response has been equally positive. Keith Kauffman, former Redondo Beach Police Chief, explained: “We used to fly at around 200 feet and got too many complaints. At 400 feet, the number of complaints plummeted.”
Higher altitudes also offer a tactical advantage: “We don’t always want to be seen,” added Lange. “It’s better to have the option for stealth than be seen all the time.”
Shaping the Future of Public Safety
The success of Aerodome’s 400-foot operations sets a new standard for DFR programs nationwide. As law enforcement agencies look to emulate EGPD’s progress, it’s clear that drone technology is becoming an essential tool for modern policing.
With Aerodome, Flock Safety is redefining public safety by empowering first responders with technology that enhances precision, speed, and adaptability. This milestone is just the beginning as public safety agencies continue to embrace next-generation drone technology.
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