Harford County Sheriff's Office launches Drone as First Responder program

Synopsis

The Harford County Sheriff’s Office has launched their Drone as First Responder (DFR) program with Skydio X10, enabling drones to launch automatically to priority 911 calls and deliver live aerial intelligence before deputies arrive. With strategically placed drone docks throughout the county, the program provides faster situational awareness, enhances officer safety, and helps responders make more informed decisions in the critical first moments of an incident.

Built on the Skydio X10 platform, the program leverages advanced obstacle avoidance, low-light capabilities, and thermal imaging to operate in challenging environments and get eyes on scene quickly. Every drone operator completes rigorous training before flying, and every mission is documented and tied to a specific call for service—reflecting the Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible drone operations.