How OKCPD paved the path to Drone as First Responder (DFR)

Background

The Oklahoma City Police Department (OKCPD) serves over 700,000 residents across 620 square miles. As one of the earliest adopters of Skydio’s drone technology, OKCPD has integrated drones into its patrol operations, enhancing situational awareness and officer safety. Under the leadership of Captain Jason Bussert and Sergeant Dax Laporte, the department transitioned to a patrol-led drone deployment model. This allowed officers to immediately deploy drones at nearly any scene, significantly improving response times and tactical intelligence.

Covering a vast and diverse landscape, OKCPD faced challenges maintaining rapid response times across the city, particularly during high-stakes incidents. While the department maintains a dedicated air support unit with three helicopters; weather conditions, availability, and the sheer size of the city limited their use. OKCPD needed to provide aerial intelligence around the clock, especially during critical moments when helicopters were unavailable.

In December 2021, OKCPD launched its patrol-led drone deployment model with 16 Skydio X2 drones. These drones were assigned to patrol officers across the city, ensuring immediate access during emergencies. In 2024, OKCPD expanded the program and invested in 18 X10 drones which have provided enhanced capabilities like the ability to fly at night autonomously and improved thermal imaging. Equipped with these thermal cameras and autonomous navigation, Skydio drones have become indispensable for high-risk calls, search and rescue missions, and tactical operations. As Captain Jason Bussert explains, "We recognized that in many situations, having drones on the scene as fast as possible is a game changer. Whether it’s an officer-involved shooting or a barricaded suspect, drones provide real-time intelligence that keeps both our officers and the community safer."

1. Officer-Involved Shooting
   
   One of the most critical moments for OKCPD’s drone program came just months after its launch. In March 2022, an officer was shot during a routine disturbance call. Within five minutes, two Skydio drones were in the air, searching for the armed suspect who had fled the scene. One of the drones quickly located the suspect hiding in a backyard. The drone pilot was able to relay live updates to officers on the ground, ensuring a safe and coordinated approach that led to the suspect’s arrest. The injured officer was able to self-apply a tourniquet and was later treated and released.
   
   "That was one of our first big wins. The drones were up in minutes, and we had eyes on the suspect.
   That level of responsiveness is something we couldn’t achieve with just helicopters." – Sergeant Dax Laporte, OKCPD

2. Stolen Vehicle Pursuit
   
   A slow speed pursuit unfolded, once the vehicle stopped a drone was deployed providing live aerial footage of the driver and their movements inside the vehicle. This allowed the officers to keep a safe distance while maintaining visual contact with the suspect.
   
   "The drone gave us a complete view of the situation, allowing us to slow down and think through our actions rather than rushing in. We could see the suspect’s behavior, which helped us prepare for what was coming." – Sergeant Dax Laporte, OKCPD

3. Large Multi-Day Outdoor Event
   
   The 2023 Oklahoma State Fair welcomed over 900,000 attendees and provided a perfect proving ground as the OKCPD deployed two Skydio drones from docks on top of the Safety and Security Center. Over 341 flights were conducted to patrol the event, monitor crowds, and respond to incidents in real-time. The drones provided the necessary air support to help locate six missing people, respond to one traffic collision, and in one instance were used to monitor an area where a gun was reportedly smuggled onto the ground, quickly assisting officers in responding to what was believed to be an active shooter situation.

OKCPD plans to continue expanding its Drone as First Responder program. The department is exploring dock-based drones for even faster deployment and working on further integrating drones with other first responder units, such as the fire department, to create a comprehensive public safety solution.