The Yonkers Police Department has launched a citywide Drone as First Responder (DFR) program using Nokia dock-based “Drone-in-a-Box” systems to support rapid emergency response and provide real-time aerial intelligence.
Developed in collaboration with Motorola Solutions, the program introduces a new layer of aerial intelligence, providing responding officers with a real-time perspective. The system can deploy drones to incident locations anywhere in Yonkers in under three minutes, providing a live aerial view and real-time intelligence as events unfold.
The program utilizes two temperature-controlled Drone-in-a-Box units manufactured by Nokia and positioned on opposite sides of the city. The hexacopter drones are operated by trained pilots using Motorola Solutions’ CAPE drone software and are integrated into the city’s AWARE Crime Control Center. This centralized platform unifies multiple sources of incident intelligence, including 911 call audio, radio traffic, and video cameras, helping officers verify information and decisively act.
Live aerial footage from the drones is streamed directly to officers and supervisors via smartphones and laptops, supporting real-time assessment and response coordination. Each drone is equipped with high-resolution cameras featuring zoom capabilities, as well as thermal imaging sensors for low-light and limited-visibility conditions.
Designed for operation in harsh Northeast weather, the aircraft can reach speeds of up to 45 mph. Built-in safety features include air traffic detection within a three-mile radius, geofencing, and collision avoidance enabled through the CAPE software platform. The system operates over 5G cellular networks, ensuring connectivity across the city.
Jim Wolfinbarger, MSSSI VP of Real-Time Intelligence for Motorola Solutions, commented, “In an emergency, every second matters. Motorola Solutions is proud to support the Yonkers Police Department’s new Drone as First Responder program, which brings another layer of real-time intelligence into their AWARE Crime Control Center to speed and inform officer decision-making. This technology can help to inform first responders and commanders alike to refine and fine-tune their approach to any high-risk event, thereby reducing risk and strengthening decision-making.”
To support transparency, the Yonkers Police Department will publish drone flight logs online, including details such as flight time, duration, path, and general purpose. Privacy measures include positioning cameras toward the horizon when drones are not actively responding to incidents.
The DFR program will initially operate for 40 hours per week, with schedules adjusted based on operational needs and major events. As the program develops, the department will evaluate opportunities for expansion to further enhance coverage and response capabilities.
The initiative follows a 60-day pilot program conducted in summer 2024, during which the department evaluated DFR operations in a complex urban environment. After assessing the results, city leadership approved the transition to a permanent deployment to strengthen public safety operations and improve officer safety.
Mayor Mike Spano stated, “Yonkers continues to lead when it comes to embracing innovative technology that strengthens public safety. The Drone as a First Responder program builds on the success of our pilot initiative and strengthens our ability to respond quickly, protect our neighborhoods, and support the men and women of the Yonkers Police Department.”
Police Commissioner Christopher Sapienza added, “This program represents the next evolution of public safety technology here in Yonkers. We spent countless hours evaluating the results from our 2024 trial and worked to refine a Drone as First Responder model that works for our city and the unique operational challenges that come with it. Ultimately, this technology strengthens our ability to protect the public while providing an added layer of safety for the men and women of this department.”
The deployment represents a continued investment by Yonkers in advanced public safety technology that supports modern policing while maintaining transparency and accountability to the community.
