Everett residents can now view police drone flight data after the city published a public dashboard for its Drone as First Responder program, which has been sending unmanned aircraft to emergency calls since at least March, when Mayor Cassie Franklin confirmed the pilot was operational during her State of the City address.

The dashboard shows flight metrics for a program that puts drones overhead at 911 calls an average of 86 seconds after dispatch. The system reduces response times by up to 63 percent compared to a patrol car, according to Lynnwood Times reporting on the program.

How the program works

The system uses automated, battery-swapping docks at strategic locations across the city. When Snohomish County 911 dispatch (Sno911) sends a call, a certified pilot launches a drone that can reach anywhere within a 3.5-mile radius, flying up to 53 mph. The aircraft carry thermal cameras, nighttime vision and a 400X zoom.

The south precinct drone flies at 400 feet; the north precinct drone at 200 feet. Each deployment can cover up to 38 square miles.

The data is public.

The drones are not equipped with facial recognition software, do not track vehicle speed and are not used for parking enforcement, according to Lynnwood Times reporting.

Council approval and cost

The Everett City Council approved a two-year agreement with Flock Safety on April 9, 2025, by a 5-1 vote. Flock Safety provided the first drone at no cost for year one. A second drone cost $50,000, funded through a state legislative impact fund. The program was described at the time as the second of its kind in Washington state.

"Launching 'Drone as a First Responder' brings our use of drones to the next level and I'm excited to see how this new tool helps us continue delivering real results for our community," Franklin said in the April 2025 announcement.

The program builds on the police department's drone operations, which began in 2022. All flights are operated by personnel holding valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificates.

Privacy and accountability

The department committed to publishing usage metrics on the transparency portal and updating its unmanned aircraft system policy. A draft policy was posted for public feedback, emphasizing civil rights protections, limitations on use, data retention rules and FAA compliance.

The drones integrate with Sno911 to provide real-time caller information to the certified officer pilot. They also carry a collision avoidance system.

What's next

The two-year Flock Safety agreement runs through April 2027, when the council will need to decide whether to renew or expand the program. Residents can view flight data and the department's UAS policy at everettwa.gov/3308.