The Orange County Sheriff’s Office – Orlando (OCSO) has officially introduced Knightro, its new Skydio X10 drone, named after the University of Central Florida’s iconic mascot of the UCF Knights!
“These shots capture Knightro in action as we research Drones as First Responders (DFR) — a game-changing technology enhancing public safety. From catching bad guys to providing real-time situational awareness, drones are making a real impact in Central Florida,” said Deputy First Class Michael Kleinfelt, UAS Coordinator for OCSO.
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PUBLIC SAFETY DRONES AND DFR PROGRAMS
From cutting minutes off response times to transforming how officers view a call, DFR programs are rewriting the definition of “first on scene”
The Tijuana attack reveals a growing transnational threat — and the urgent need to modernize how state and local agencies acquire counter-UAS tools
Extremist tactics, sniper attacks and online incitement are reshaping the threat landscape, leaving officers with shrinking windows to respond
By raising altitude limits and adding radar, agencies can expand DFR coverage, improving safety and meeting FAA requirements
DFR is more than a police tool — it’s infrastructure that improves safety, efficiency and trust across city services
AI-powered drones could ease officer workloads, boost efficiency and enhance community safety
