Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office launches drone pilot program

The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office has launched a ‘Drone as First Responder’ (DFR) pilot program in partnership with Skydio and Snohomish County 911. The initiative aims to provide deputies with real-time video and situational awareness before they arrive at emergency scenes.

Under the program, semi-autonomous drones will be launched from fixed, remote locations within seconds of a 911 call. The pilot is currently testing four drones strategically placed in the busiest response areas of southern Snohomish County. Sheriff Susanna Johnson stated the goal is to provide responders with better information faster to improve officer safety, assist in de-escalation, and manage rapidly evolving emergencies more effectively.

Potential applications for the technology include monitoring crimes in progress, searching for missing persons, tracking fleeing suspects, and responding to traffic collisions or rescue operations. Officials noted that the drones will not be used for general surveillance or random scouting; instead, each mission will be tied to a specific public-safety request. The drones will fly with cameras pointed toward the horizon until they reach their designated location.