(The Center Square) – Recently released footage from a Redmond Police Department drone showing the capture of a repeat offender hints at the early success of an innovative initiative that’s also contributing to rising overtime costs.
Redmond’s “Drone as First Responders” program is the first of its kind in Washington state. During 911 calls, these drones arrive faster than officers and once overhead, the pilot can assess the scene and, if needed, cancel ground response – freeing up officers for higher-priority calls.
On Thursday, the police department uploaded a video clip on social media showing officers responding, with the aid of a drone, to a reported shoplift in progress at a retail store on March 13.
Officers were advised the suspect had a criminal history, including armed robbery. A drone was then deployed.
The drone ultimately helped patrol officers follow the vehicle and detain the suspect without incident.
Successful incidents like this one may lead to the city following through on continuing the program with Seattle-based BRINC Drones over the six-year pilot period.
The Drone as First Responders Program costs the city $99,000 in its first year and $225,000 annually after that, totaling $1.2 million over six years, if fully implemented.
The program has been touted by Washington law enforcement officials. For instance, Steve Strachan, executive director of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, previously told The Center Square that the Drone as First Responders program gives officers a better idea of what they are dealing with before they even show up on scene.
“There are so many applications on this and Redmond is kind of leading the way,” Strachan told The Center Square.
However, there are some issues. Since the program was first implemented in April 2024, The Drones as First Responders unit – composed of Federal Aviation Administration-licensed pilots – contributed to the Redmond Police Department’s increased overtime costs.
According to a committee memo from last February, police overtime costs rose 110.5% above target – $1.48 million more than budgeted, for a total of $2.8 million.
The memo attributes the increase to the Drone as First Responders program, as well as position vacancies, Sound Transit, special events, and increased presence at city council meetings.
Redmond officials will now have to face the challenge of balancing police innovation with fiscal discipline amid a shortage of officers.
