Albuquerque Police Department pioneers DFR with Skydio DFR

Synopsis

In Albuquerque, where rising crime and officer shortages strain resources, the police department has found a force multiplier in drone and dock technology. With half a million service calls a year and over 1,000 sworn officers covering 187 square miles, the department relies on Skydio drones and docks to deliver real-time intelligence and safer responses to the field.

Albuquerque Police Department (APD) is proud to have been the first agency in New Mexico to launch a drone program with rooftop “hives” that deploy drones across the city in 90 seconds or less. In just one month, the program has completed more than 200 flights and already assisted in four arrests—proof that Drone as First Responder (DFR) can close the gap between stretched resources and urgent response.

What began as a tactical tool has evolved into a citywide capability. Drones are now deployed daily across divisions, from patrol to traffic, and are at the center of APD’s expansion into a DFR program powered by Skydio Dock for X10. Skydio’s training and dock integration have enabled officers to pilot drones remotely, capture critical situational data, and make faster, smarter decisions on every call.

One recent deployment highlighted the impact. After an officer-involved shooting, a Skydio drone launched from a dock located the armed suspect hiding in a yard, allowing officers to tighten the perimeter, reduce disruption to the neighborhood, and safely bring the suspect into custody.

Leaders see DFR and dock-based operations as the future of public safety. With autonomous drones launching from docks and rooftop hives across the city, officers gain immediate eyes on a scene, even miles away. APD believes this technology will soon be essential, redefining how police respond, protect their communities, and ensure safer outcomes for everyone involved.