Lessons Learned
As pioneers in drone/helicopter teaming, these law enforcement agencies have learned many lessons about making these combined missions work. “Chief among the lessons learned is the critical importance of communication between the two platforms,” said Bowman. “Seamless communication ensures the safe coordination of operations between helicopters and drones. Clear and constant communication channels allow both teams to share vital information such as airspace awareness, mission objectives, and real-time situational updates, thereby minimizing the risk of incidents or interference.”
Effective communication fosters synergy between the capabilities of helicopters and drones, maximizing their collective effectiveness in diverse law enforcement scenarios. “By leveraging the unique strengths of each platform — the speed, altitude, and endurance of helicopters, coupled with the versatility and discreteness of drones — we can continue to enhance our operational capabilities and achieve superior outcomes,” he said.
On a more general basis, “We have learned that the integration of both rotorcraft/fixed-wings and UAVs is invaluable for performing a critical function in an ever-increasing changing environment,” ACSO’s Bonnell said. “Rotorcraft/fixed-wing aircraft and UAVs have a multitude of capabilities, which enable them to work together depending on the situation. The lessons we’ve learned over the past four years has made this unit realize that both are needed to be successful.”
As to what comes next? “Looking to the future, the FCPD envisions expanding its drone capabilities even further,” Bowman said. “Plans for drones as first-responder programs are underway, with the goal of strategically positioning drone teams to provide rapid responses to emergencies while also acting as a force multiplier in clearing calls that do not necessitate a traditional police response. This forward-thinking approach underscores the department’s commitment to leveraging technology to address evolving public safety challenges.”
The ACSO shares this point of view. “One thing we are working on is the Drone as First Responder program where the drone will be launched from the real-time crime center that we’re developing,” Cota said. “Through certificates of waiver or authorization (COAs) issued by the FAA, we’ll be able to respond to calls for service at our busy patrol station to relieve some responsibilities away from the patrol deputies.
“We should be able to clear a lot of calls using drones, such as illegal parkers and maybe alarm calls,” Cota added. “We’ll also be able to get on site with active calls of domestic violence that are occurring outside. We’ll be able to get a drone overhead within a couple minutes, whereas it takes six to seven minutes to get a patrol deputy there. We’ll be able to video and broadcast that footage of what’s actually happening on scene to the responding deputies to give them a heads-up of what they’re about to encounter. We hope to do that within the next three to four months. That’s what we’re shooting for.”
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