Connect with us

Eugene

The Eugene Police Department receives FAA waiver for 200 feet Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations, enhancing drone capabilities

Published

on

Eugene, OR – The Eugene Police Department has received a significant boost to its drone capabilities with the recent granting of a Federal Aviation Administration waiver for 200 feet Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations. This development expands the coverage area of the department’s Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of its emergency response efforts.

The new waiver will allow EPD drones to cover up to 40% more of the city, enabling a single operator to manage more shifts while responding more rapidly to calls for service. With BVLOS operations, drones can access areas that are difficult to reach on foot or by vehicle and can help in situations where traditional methods of search and rescue, such as a foot patrol or vehicle, would be too slow or hazardous. This is particularly crucial when responding to time-sensitive emergencies, such as locating a missing child or tracking a fleeing suspect.

The waiver, granted by the FAA, allows EPD drone pilots to operate their drones remotely without maintaining direct visual contact with the aircraft. Previously, drone operators were required to keep their drones within sight during flight. With the BVLOS waiver, drones can cover much larger areas more efficiently, which is vital in urgent situations where response time can make a critical difference. The ability to remotely operate drones also eliminates some of the travel time it takes to reach incident sites.

To earn the waiver, EPD’s DFR program had to submit an application to the FAA, outlining the safety measures and technologies used in drone operations. The department also demonstrated its ability to conduct BVLOS flights safely, submitting risk assessments and providing training for all operators involved. EPD’s drone team met several technology requirements, including the use of reliable communication systems and detect-and-avoid technologies that ensure safe navigation.

Since its inception, the DFR program has proven to be highly effective. In 2024, drones were first on the scene 76% of the time and were able to clear 27% of calls without the need for patrol officers. So far in 2025, drones have been the first on scene 83% of the time, and 40% of drone calls have been cleared without patrol. The drones have also assisted in capturing 17 suspects as of 2024, with 11 captures already made this year.

Eugene Police first introduced drones in April 2018 as part of a pilot program. The Eugene Springfield Metro Drone Team was later formed in October 2022, comprising 16 officers and 3 sergeants from both the Eugene and Springfield Police Departments. To further improve response times, in June 2024, EPD introduced Live911 to its DFR program. This feature allows drone operators to listen to emergency calls in real time, reducing the delay that previously occurred when waiting for call dispatches.

The DFR program is funded by the Community Safety Payroll Tax, a local initiative designed to enhance public safety and improve response systems. The success of the drone program has shown that technology can play a vital role in improving how police respond to emergencies and public calls for service. As the program continues to evolve, it’s expected that the drones will continue to help streamline operations and provide faster, more efficient emergency responses across Eugene.

You may also like…

Oregon2 days ago

Oregon fire marshal urges safe and legal fireworks use during 2025 sales season

Oregon – As the 2025 fireworks retail season begins June 23 and runs through July 6, the Oregon State Fire...

Eugene2 days ago

Heavy fire at Eugene home prompts swift response, no victims found

Eugene, OR – Early on June 20, Eugene Springfield Fire crews responded to a significant house fire in the 1000...

Eugene2 days ago

Woman arrested for arson and theft after early morning Eugene house fire

Eugene, OR – Leticia Datu-Strong, also known as Rickie Potts, 40, was arrested and booked into Lane County Jail on...

Eugene2 days ago

City of Eugene seeks two citizen members for police commission

Eugene, OR – The City of Eugene is currently accepting applications for two interim citizen member positions on the Eugene...

Crime & Safety5 days ago

Mom Ieft her baby with a woman she found onIine only for the caregiver to kiII the chiId just four days later from head trauma likely caused by being struck or hitting an object, then do the same to another baby years later: DA

Oklahoma – An Oklahoma woman was formally charged this week with first‑degree murder for the death of a 3-week-old chiId...

Eugene1 week ago

Eugene Springfield Fire responds to vehicle fire on I-105 near Mohawk exit

Eugene, OR – On Saturday morning, Eugene Springfield Fire crews responded to a vehicle fire on I-105 Eastbound near the...

Eugene1 week ago

Eugene Springfield Fire responds to multiple brush, grass, and structure fires across the area

Eugene, OR – The Eugene Springfield Fire Department was busy on Monday, June 16, responding to several fire incidents throughout...

Eugene1 week ago

Eugene Police Department welcomes newest graduates to the force

Eugene, OR – The Eugene Police Department recently welcomed its newest class of police officers, congratulating them on completing their...

Eugene1 week ago

EPD’s chief reflects on peaceful No Kings march and protest in downtown Eugene

Eugene, OR – The Eugene Police Department reported that Saturday’s No Kings march and protest in downtown Eugene proceeded peacefully,...

Crime & Safety2 weeks ago

Child told police his dad’s wife made inappropriate jokes for a week before the woman made advances toward him and indcently assauIted the boy while his parent worked Iate hours: DA

Florida – According to Florida authorities, a recent court order handed down by Fifth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Timothi says...

Crime & Safety2 weeks ago

Man dies moments after kiIIing his mom following aItercation at their famiIy home, only to be kiIIed by his oIder sibIing who opened fire in seIf-defense after he turned his firearm toward him: police

Alabama – An Alabama woman and her famiIy member were pronounced dead earlier this week following a fataI incident at...

Trending