# Washington law enforcement drone pilot programs > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/washington-law-enforcement-drone-pilot-programs > Updated: 2026-09-16T20:01:58.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2. Law enforcement agencies in Washington state are implementing and testing ‘Drones as First Responders’ (DFR) pilot programs to enhance 911 response capabilities. These initiatives utilize semi-autonomous drones to provide real-time video and situational awareness to deputies and officers before they arrive at emergency scenes. In Snohomish County, the Sheriff’s Office partnered with Skydio and Snohomish County 911 to launch a program using four drones stationed in high-traffic areas. The goal is to improve officer safety, assist in de-escalation, and manage emergencies such as missing persons searches or traffic collisions. Officials emphasized that drones are dispatched for specific public-safety requests rather than general surveillance. Other regional agencies have reported preliminary results from similar testing. The Auburn Police Department utilized Skydio X10 drones, noting that the technology arrived before officers in 47.1% of responses and provided useful intelligence in 88.2% of those instances. Meanwhile, the Shoreline Police Department and King County Sheriff’s Office reported that drones arrived first in 75% of tested cases, allowing operators to clear 25% of those calls without a physical patrol response. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-16: Police departments test drone systems for 911 response Police departments are testing automated drone systems to act as first responders, providing real-time intelligence for 911 calls and occasionally clearing scenes without requiring officer intervention. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/police-departments-test-drone-systems-for-911-response ### 2026-09-14: Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office launches drone pilot program The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office is piloting a Drone as First Responder program using Skydio technology to provide real-time video to deputies during emergencies. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/snohomish-county-sheriffs-office-launches-drone-pilot-program --- Cite as: Washington law enforcement drone pilot programs. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/washington-law-enforcement-drone-pilot-programs