Using a drone as a first responder is not an entirely new concept, but it is a relatively new program for the Fort Wayne Police Department. Despite public misconception, the drones will not be used for surveillance or random patrols. Instead, these drones will be used to answer radio calls, dispatch calls and calls for service only.

According to FWPD, drones arrive to the scene of an incident faster than officers over 70% of the time.

Currently 11 officers within the FWPD are learning to fly these drones. Two drones are in circulation, but as these officers become pilots, there are hopes to have a total of eight drones in circulation.

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