The Town of Ramapo Police Department is taking a major step forward in modern policing, testing new drone technology designed to improve emergency response times and situational awareness across the town.
During a demonstration at Clover Stadium, Ramapo Police unveiled the deployment of the Skydio X10 DFR drone system—part of its expanding “Drone as First Responder” (DFR) program. The department has installed autonomous drone docks at two locations, allowing drones to be launched within seconds, 24 hours a day.
Ramapo Police Chief Danny Hyman explained that the drones can reach incident scenes in as little as 20 seconds, often arriving before officers on the ground. Operating under a beyond-visual-line-of-sight waiver from the FAA, the drones can be controlled remotely and deployed from virtually anywhere.
“This is a true force multiplier,” Chief Hyman said, noting that the technology enhances officer safety while providing real-time intelligence. “We’re able to get eyes on a scene faster, protect the public, and make more informed decisions.”
The Skydio X10 drones are capable of traveling up to 46 miles per hour to an incident and returning at over 30 miles per hour. They are equipped with advanced features including high-resolution cameras, night vision capabilities, collision avoidance systems, and even onboard speakers for public announcements. In the event of a critical failure, the drones are also fitted with parachutes to ensure a safe landing.
Officials say the long-term goal is to expand the program to four drone locations, allowing full coverage of the Town of Ramapo with continuous, around-the-clock aerial support.
The initiative reflects a growing trend among law enforcement agencies nationwide to integrate cutting-edge technology into daily operations, with the aim of improving response times, enhancing safety, and delivering better outcomes for the communities they serve.