MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — The Miami Beach Police Department has introduced a Real Time Intelligence Center and a Drone as First Responder program to enhance public safety, just in time forspring break, WSVN reported.
Miami Beach is one of the earliest adopters of Skydio’s Drone as a First Responder program, which allows officers to deploy drones for real-time monitoring and rapid response, according to the report.
The $2 million initiative, partially funded by a 2018 voter-approved general obligation bond, provides new tools for law enforcement.
Advanced technology for public safety
The RTIC will serve as a surveillance and intelligence hub, gathering data from 850 cameras, 30 license plate readers, social media threat monitoring and marine radar systems, according to the report.
The Skydio X10 drone, remotely deployed from the RTIC, is intended to provide live aerial video, arrive on scene before patrol units and enhance situational awareness. MBPD also received a Beyond Visual Line of Sight waiver, allowing extended drone operations beyond an operator’s direct line of sight.
“A call goes out. The drone is deployed. That drone actually gets to the scene of the crime prior to police officers getting there,” Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne Jones said.
Mayor Steven Meiner emphasized the program’s impact on crime prevention.
“Not only is there a good chance they’re not going to get away with the crime itself, but once they commit the crime, they’re going to get caught,” said Meiner. “Our arrest rate is incredible. It’s through the roof because of the technology we have. We catch the bad guys; don’t come here and commit crimes in Miami Beach.”
Spring break preparations
Officials say the new technology will improve response times, reduce risks in high-threat situations and enhance coordination between law enforcement and emergency teams as the city prepares for large spring break crowds, according to the report.
“In anticipation of our busiest season, this technology will enable us to better safeguard our residents and visitors while proactively deterring criminal activities,” Jones said.
Commissioner Alex Fernandez added, “When it comes to protecting our residents, we cannot afford to wait.”
