Omaha’s skyline now boasts a cutting-edge addition atop the Police Department’s downtown headquarters: two drones housed in specialized climate-controlled units, poised for rapid deployment.
Unveiled by Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer and Mayor John Ewing, these drones are the cornerstone of the city’s innovative “Drones as First Responders” initiative. This groundbreaking public safety program leverages drone technology to swiftly evaluate emergency scenes before officers arrive.
“This program is about getting there faster. How can we get there faster to help people? How can our response improve?” Schmaderer emphasized during the announcement.
Specifically designed to respond to 911 calls, these drones are expected to reach an emergency scene in under two minutes, providing crucial aerial footage to assist officers in formulating their response strategies. They also offer dispatchers enhanced situational awareness, although they are not intended for routine neighborhood surveillance.
The operation of these drones will be managed by FAA-certified pilots located at the department’s Air Support Unit in Blair. Notably, the program’s nearly $2 million funding was secured through philanthropic contributions, ensuring no taxpayer money was utilized for drone acquisition.
Mayor John Ewing reiterated the program’s focus on emergency response, stating, “This will not be utilized for general surveillance, or patrols and neighborhoods, or any of those type of things that sometimes people get worried about when they think about technology. This is 911 generated responding to someone’s call for help, and that is the most important thing that the police department does.”
