Drones have officially joined the ranks of first responders in Snohomish County, according to the sheriff’s office Monday.
In a press release, Sheriff Susanna Johnson explained that the drones will not replace the response of emergency medical crews or deputies, but will help crews learn about the scene and what is needed before they arrive.
“This pilot is about getting our first responders better information, faster,” Johnson said in the statement. “When deputies are responding to a crime in progress, a dangerous suspect, a missing person, or another rapidly evolving emergency, knowing what is happening before they arrive can make a significant difference. It can improve officer safety, de-escalation, help us use our resources more effectively, and ultimately improve the service we provide to our community.”
Potential uses during the pilot include:
- Crimes in progress
- Locating fleeing or wanted suspects
- Foot pursuits and perimeter coordination
- Searches for missing or vulnerable people
- Traffic collisions and roadway incidents
- Rescue operations
- Dangerous or rapidly evolving incidents
Rather than having drones take off from stations after a call for assistance goes out, the office says the drones will be “strategically placed” to optimize response times to scenes.
The office said the drone use is a trial, and it will reevaluate the results before deciding next steps.
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