Utica Police and Fire Start 90-Day Drone First Responder Trial

Utica police and firefighters are testing drones that fly to emergency calls ahead of responders, in a 90-day trial presented Tuesday, Nov. 3, by Mayor Michael Galime and Police Chief Mark Williams, the Daily Sentinel reported. Two drones launch from pads in the fenced police station lot on Oriskany Street West.

How it works:

Partners	Axon and Skydio (Flock was the partner named in June)
Calls	Shots fired, violent crimes, house fires, search and rescue
Pilots	Eight FAA-certified officers
Recording	Starts only once a drone reaches the scene
Public records	Each flight's call type and destination
Cost	Not published

Written policies govern use, and officers who misuse the drones face discipline. Drones carry thermal cameras and can hover over a scene for at least 30 minutes. The drone stations come down when the 90 days are up; the city has applied for state money to expand it with Oneida County.