By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• The Gilbert Police Department in Arizona is using drones to respond to reports of reckless e-bike and e-motorized bike traffic violations.
• The initiative is part of the department’s “Drones as First Responders” pilot program to improve response times and situational awareness.
• Officers said drones arrive on scene about 35% faster than patrol units, reducing response times by about five to six minutes.
• The technology helps officers locate riders and guide ground units without engaging in high-risk vehicle pursuits.
• The program aims to enhance public safety and reduce dangers associated with reckless riding.
GILBERT, AZ — The Gilbert Police Department is deploying drones as part of a pilot program to respond to reports of reckless electric bike and motorized bike traffic violations and help reduce risks to officers and the public, officials said Monday.
The initiative, part of the department’s “Drones as First Responders” effort, allows trained operators to launch aircraft for aerial observation and situational awareness before ground units arrive.
Police said drones reached incident locations about 35% faster than traditional patrol units, cutting response times by roughly five to six minutes compared with standard patrol response.
Department officials said the technology is being used to locate dispersed or mobile riders and guide officers to scenes while minimizing the need for high-risk vehicle pursuits.
The program is ongoing, and the police department continues to assess the use of drones to support enforcement of traffic laws and enhance overall public safety in the community.