Frederick County Sheriff's Office launches drone program
FREDERICK COUNTY, Md. () — The Frederick County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) launched a new drone program aimed at enhancing public safety in the county, officials announced Wednesday.
The Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) program began in the fall of 2023, with the first units arriving in June 2024. Patrol deputies now operate three Skydio X10 drones when deployment is requested in response to an incident.
'The decision to use drones in law enforcement is driven by their efficiency, affordability, and safety benefits,' the FCSO stated in a news release.
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Drones are able to cover large areas, which helps in search-and-rescue efforts, public event monitoring and disaster surveys.
The department said real-time aerial footage leads to faster decision-making, leading to quicker responses and better outcomes.
Cheaper to operate and maintain than helicopters and equipped with thermal imaging and high-resolution cameras, drones are able to enhance the FCSO's operational capabilities at a minimal cost.
They also improve deputy safety by reducing their exposure to dangerous situations, such as hazardous material assessments or suspect searches.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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