Washington Co. Sheriff's Office

Emergency Messages as of 3:55 PM, Thu. Feb 19

No information currently posted.

logo

Subscribe to receive FlashAlert messages from Washington Co. Sheriff's Office.

Manage my existing Subscription

News Release

Drone As First Responder Program Testing In Washington County (Photo) - 02/19/26

On Friday, February 20, 2026, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office will begin a trial using the Drone as First Responder (DFR) program. DFR uses cutting-edge technology to quickly gather information and relay it to responding patrol deputies via a dedicated control station.

 

A designated pilot in command (PIC) can remotely control the Skydio X10 drones used as DFRs. Each PIC holds a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) license, and Skydio trained each pilot in the specific use of the X10 drone.  

 

To better support call volume, the Skydio X10 drones’ secure charging bases (docks) will be based in Aloha. During the trial period, DFR may be seen in the Aloha area, recognizable by their red and blue emergency lights, and operate at a lower elevation of about 200 ft or less due to FAA regulations. A PIC can deploy a DFR to police calls where exigency necessitates a quick response.

 

PICs strictly adhere to the Oregon Revised Statutes when deploying drones as a valuable tool for gathering evidence. Current Sheriff’s Office policy and procedures guide the drone pilots in the deployment of drones in the field and through DFR.

 

The privacy of our community members is paramount, and drones cannot be used to establish probable cause or reasonable suspicion of a crime, even if that crime was committed in view of the pilot during a training flight.

 

Sheriff Caprice Massey expressed her deep appreciation for the program and its impact on public safety - “In 2025 alone, our interagency drone team deployed nearly 650 times. That means 650 moments when we were able to assess danger more quickly, provide real-time information to deputies, and protect both our community members and first responders. Programs like Drone as First Responder allow us to see more, know more, and respond smarter — ultimately saving time, resources, and potentially lives. We will continue leveraging technology to meet the growing demand for service in innovative and responsible ways.”

 

Following the trial period, Sheriff’s Office leadership will conduct a comprehensive review of deployment data, response times, and operational outcomes to evaluate the program’s effectiveness. Based on those findings, the agency will determine whether to expand coverage to additional areas of the County through a longer-term partnership with Skydio. Additional information will be shared after the evaluation is complete.

 

Thank you for supporting the Washington County Sheriff's Office and for our continued efforts to make our community safer. 

Attached Media Files: Drone Dock,

Drone As First Responder Program Testing In Washington County (Photo) - 02/19/26

On Friday, February 20, 2026, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office will begin a trial using the Drone as First Responder (DFR) program. DFR uses cutting-edge technology to quickly gather information and relay it to responding patrol deputies via a dedicated control station.

 

A designated pilot in command (PIC) can remotely control the Skydio X10 drones used as DFRs. Each PIC holds a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) license, and Skydio trained each pilot in the specific use of the X10 drone.  

 

To better support call volume, the Skydio X10 drones’ secure charging bases (docks) will be based in Aloha. During the trial period, DFR may be seen in the Aloha area, recognizable by their red and blue emergency lights, and operate at a lower elevation of about 200 ft or less due to FAA regulations. A PIC can deploy a DFR to police calls where exigency necessitates a quick response.

 

PICs strictly adhere to the Oregon Revised Statutes when deploying drones as a valuable tool for gathering evidence. Current Sheriff’s Office policy and procedures guide the drone pilots in the deployment of drones in the field and through DFR.

 

The privacy of our community members is paramount, and drones cannot be used to establish probable cause or reasonable suspicion of a crime, even if that crime was committed in view of the pilot during a training flight.

 

Sheriff Caprice Massey expressed her deep appreciation for the program and its impact on public safety - “In 2025 alone, our interagency drone team deployed nearly 650 times. That means 650 moments when we were able to assess danger more quickly, provide real-time information to deputies, and protect both our community members and first responders. Programs like Drone as First Responder allow us to see more, know more, and respond smarter — ultimately saving time, resources, and potentially lives. We will continue leveraging technology to meet the growing demand for service in innovative and responsible ways.”

 

Following the trial period, Sheriff’s Office leadership will conduct a comprehensive review of deployment data, response times, and operational outcomes to evaluate the program’s effectiveness. Based on those findings, the agency will determine whether to expand coverage to additional areas of the County through a longer-term partnership with Skydio. Additional information will be shared after the evaluation is complete.

 

Thank you for supporting the Washington County Sheriff's Office and for our continued efforts to make our community safer. 

Attached Media Files: Drone Dock,