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

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.