Germantown

MCPD To Conduct Drone Training in Germantown Today (Tuesday, May 21)

By Patrick Herron

The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) Special Operations Division will be conducting Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) training in the Germantown area on Tuesday, May 7.

Per police, “Residents and community members may observe a UAS (drone), however there is no reason for alarm.”

MCPD launched the first Drone as First Responder Program in Silver Spring in 2023 and second in Wheaton in March 2024, stating that it has “demonstrated to be a valuable asset helping officers with increased response times, decision making, de-escalation and staffing shortages.

“The Drone as First Responder program leverages Raven’s capabilities to reach the scene of a call for service, either before or in conjunction with patrol officers. This innovative approach aims to revolutionize emergency response by offering a real-time aerial perspective and strategic insights.

Raven’s operational objectives include:

  • Assisting in the assessment of scenes and circumstances before officers arrive.
  • Providing essential tactical information and situational awareness to enhance response safety.
  • Contributing to the de-escalation of situations and improvement of overall response times.
  • Addressing staffing shortages and assisting public safety efforts.

For more information on the program, and to view Raven flight maps, please visit Drone as First Responder Program, Department of Police, Montgomery County, MD (montgomerycountymd.gov)”