St Lucie County Sheriff’s Office is using drones as a force multiplier

Synopsis

Across Florida’s Treasure Coast, law enforcement agencies are taking their investigations to new heights—literally. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office has built a Drone as First Responder (DFR) program that’s reshaping how deputies handle emergencies, from missing person searches to SWAT operations.

Sheriff Richard Del Toro describes drones as a “force multiplier,” allowing deputies to gain eyes on a scene long before a helicopter could arrive. With thermal imaging, 3D crime scene mapping, and loudspeakers for real-time communication, deputies now have a faster, safer way to assess volatile incidents.

Deputy Charles Bell, one of the department’s certified drone pilots, says the technology gives officers time to think before stepping into danger: “We’d rather send a drone into a dangerous situation before a deputy.”

The agency currently operates 12 drones with five FAA-certified pilots, using them to support SWAT, bomb disposal, K-9 units, and storm damage assessments. Each flight complies with FAA rules and Florida’s strict privacy laws, ensuring transparency and accountability.

By integrating drones into daily operations, the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office is boosting response times, enhancing safety, and setting a regional standard for responsible DFR use. Neighboring agencies in Martin, Indian River, and Port St. Lucie are following suit, expanding their own programs to meet growing public safety needs.