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Castle Rock Police Roll Out Autonomous Drone First Responders

The three-year program costing $200,000 annually is the first in Colorado cleared to fly to 400 feet without a visual observer.

Overview

  • Automated, docked drones now launch in roughly 30–90 seconds to provide live aerial video before officers arrive.
  • The system ties into Flock license-plate readers and the Real Time Crime Center to cue flights on stolen vehicles and other calls.
  • Officials say every flight is recorded, sensitive data is protected, and a public transparency portal publishes logs and calls for service.
  • The department reports nine licensed pilots and plans to add four drones in the coming months for a total fleet of five.
  • Early deployments target missing persons, traffic crashes, swatting calls and retail theft cases to improve situational awareness and safety.