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N.C. PD shaves response times by sending drone first to emergency calls

The Burlington Police Department’s drone can arrive at emergency scenes within three minutes, offering a safer and more informed response for officers

 

By Joanna Putman

Police 1, 2024

Oct 15, 2024

 

Burlington police drone

 

BURLINGTON, N.C. — The Burlington Police Department (BPD) has significantly reduced its average response time to 911 calls by deploying a drone, which provides officers with real-time aerial video and information, WRAL reported.

The drone, stationed on the roof of the BPD Headquarters, can arrive at emergency scenes within three minutes, offering a safer and more informed response for officers and the community, according to the report.

Master Police Officer Matthew Cook, who operates the drone, highlighted its role in enhancing safety by giving officers a clear view of situations before arriving.

“That way [officers] are not going into a scene blind. They know what’s going on,” Cook told WRAL.

Assistant Chief Josh Light explained that the drone, which launched three months ago, has already proven effective, recalling a recent incident where it tracked a fleeing suspect through a house—something that would have been difficult on the ground.

“Normally officers would not even see the individual jump from that window,” Light said.

Given the success of the program, the department plans to add a second drone by Thanksgiving, according to the report. The drones, costing roughly $50,000 each, are funded through asset forfeiture money.