N.J. agency launches drone-first response to boost speed and safety

New FAA‑certified pilot team deploys Skydio X10d drones — powered by grants and forfeiture funds — to reach incident scenes in 35–45 seconds

July 11, 2025 09:49 AM

EAST ORANGE, N.J. — Eight months ago, mysterious drones in the sky sparked hysteria around New Jersey. Now, an Essex County city is launching drones aimed at improving public safety response.

“This is our newly formed unit, the Rapid Deployment Unit,” said Sgt. Eric Browley, Jr. “We leverage the use of drones to patrol our city.”

About a dozen East Orange public safety officers are now FAA-certified drone operators. Officials say theirs is the first department in New Jersey to use the made-in-America Skydio “X10d” docking model.

FULL STORY: Exclusive look at new East Orange Public Safety drone ops

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