There’s a shift happening in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, that has less to do with flashy lights and sirens and more to do with a quiet, persistent hum from above. In police stations from Upper Darby to Marple Township, the conversation is increasingly centered on a simple, yet profoundly impactful piece of technology: the drone. What was once a niche tool for specialized units has rapidly evolved into a front-line asset, fundamentally altering how officers respond to calls, assess danger, and keep communities safe.
The change is most palpable in Upper Darby. Superintendent Timothy Bernhardt describes the department’s ability to launch a drone directly from the roof of their station as a “first in Delaware County.” At speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, these drones can reach a location like a local high school in just over a minute, often beating patrol cars to the scene. “This drone gives police a better idea before they get there, which is huge,” Bernhardt explains. The live video feed relayed back to officers in the Criminal Intelligence Unit allows for faster, more informed decisions. Is it a serious altercation requiring a full response or a minor disturbance where officers can slow down? That critical intelligence arrives before the first cruiser doors open.
This isn’t about silent surveillance from the sky, officials are quick to clarify. It’s about de-escalation and efficiency. Bernhardt recounts a recent incident where a suspect in a stolen vehicle fled on foot, thinking he had evaded capture. Unbeknownst to him, a drone tracked his every move, watching as he changed his clothes in an alley. “The drone de-escalates for us,” Bernhardt notes. “He had no idea we had been watching.” Patrol officers, guided by the drone operator’s real-time commentary, moved in for a calm, controlled arrest, avoiding a potentially risky pursuit or search.
The applications extend far beyond chasing suspects. In Upper Chichester, which established its drone unit back in 2018, Lieutenant Christopher Jones highlights their use in delicate barricade situations. “We’ve had individuals throw their hands up in the air, and with the drone, guided the individual out of the house and to the tac team,” he says. The drone becomes a communication and observation tool, entering spaces too dangerous for officers, sometimes even persuading individuals to surrender peacefully. Detective Michael Molineux adds, “It’s taking safety concerns away, not just for us but for the public and the offender.”
Technical precision is another major advantage. Departments are using drones equipped with advanced cameras for 3-D mapping of serious accident scenes, creating detailed reconstructions invaluable for investigations and court proceedings. In Marple Township, Police Chief Brandon Graeff points to pre-incident planning. Before executing a search warrant or a SWAT operation, a drone can survey the exterior layout, identifying potential hazards and entry points, all while keeping personnel at a safe distance. “This allowed police on scene to gather critical information without immediately and unnecessarily putting officers or the public at risk,” Graeff states, referencing a recent barricade situation in a neighboring township.
The technology itself is advancing at a breakneck pace. Companies like Skydio, a U.S.-based manufacturer supplying drones to several local departments, are pushing the concept of the “drone as first responder.” Their systems envision automated docks spread throughout a municipality, similar to fire stations, allowing drones to be autonomously launched the moment a 911 call comes in. Elliot Long, a Skydio sales representative, believes this integration is the next frontier. “This is by far the biggest push that will happen in law enforcement over the next two, three years,” he predicts. “A lot of departments are telling us this is the most impactful technology since the radio.”
Of course, this rapid adoption comes with necessary safeguards and sober realities. Every department interviewed has developed strict, multi-page policies governing drone use. Pilots must be FAA-certified under Part 107 regulations and undergo continuous training. “Flying is the easy part. It’s all the training and knowing what to do is the difficult part,” emphasizes Lt. Jones from Upper Chichester. Privacy concerns are addressed head-on, with a focus on mission-specific use rather than broad surveillance. Furthermore, the financial investment is significant. Upper Darby has allocated over $1 million for its drone program and a real-time crime center, funded by the township. Marple purchased its fleet using assets seized from drug forfeitures, a practice overseen by the courts.
The consensus among these law enforcement leaders is one of cautious optimism. They see drones not as a replacement for traditional policing, but as a powerful complement. The tool provides an eye in the sky that enhances situational awareness, speeds response times, and, most importantly, creates a buffer of safety between officers and potentially volatile situations. As Chief Graeff aptly observes, the technology is advancing so quickly that today’s model is nearly obsolete tomorrow. But for now, in Delaware County, the quiet hum of progress is coming from the sky, offering a clearer, safer view of the world below.
- Improved response times
- De-escalation tactics
- Enhanced situational awareness
- Advanced accident scene mapping
- Real-time intelligence
- Community safety enhancements
| Department | Established Drone Unit | Investment |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Darby | Yes | $1 million |
| Upper Chichester | Yes (2018) | Not specified |
| Marple Township | Yes | Using seized assets |
