In a recent case study released by Remote ID specialists Dronetag, the company demonstrates how the Dronetag RIDER helped Wellesley Police secure the Boston Marathon.
With federal drone detection support unavailable, officers used RIDER to detect drones and locate pilots in real time, strengthening situational awareness at a high-profile public event.
Since the 2013 attack in Boston, ensuring proactive security and effective threat detection has become a central priority. Just a week before the marathon, Wellesley PD contacted Dronetag, which immediately supplied two RIDER units for deployment at the event.
Scott Whittemore, Chief of Wellesley Police Department, commented, “Security is an ever-evolving topic. With low-cost drones becoming more capable, it’s entirely possible someone could use one with a dangerous payload.”
Dronetag’s rapid support ensured operational readiness on short notice. Two RIDER units were delivered within a week, with virtual assistance provided despite time zone differences, enabling a successful deployment during one of the most high-profile public safety operations in the United States.
The RIDER units were deployed by mobile teams, giving officers live positional data on drones and their operators. This eliminated delays associated with third-party reporting and enabled fast, informed decision-making on the ground.
Whittemore added, “The officer can literally see where he is on the map, and where the drone/pilot is. Not having to rely on someone else giving directions is a game changer.”
The system effectively detected four drones, including DJI Mavic 3, DJI M3T, and DJI M30T models, at distances up to 2 km (1.2 mi). Officers also used RIDER in mobile response teams, monitoring law enforcement drones and confirming authorized flights, while maintaining oversight of the area.
Ease of use was a key factor in deployment. RIDER required minimal training, with both experienced drone pilots and non-technical officers operating the devices confidently within an hour. The Dronetag App provided seamless connectivity and clear real-time data on mobile devices.
“We were able to easily set the devices up and figure out how to use them. Within an hour, our officers were detecting and tracking drones confidently”, stated Whittemore.
As a result of employing RIDER, no unauthorized drone incursions occurred and officers successfully tracked all law enforcement drones operating in the area.
With only two RIDER units, coverage was achieved across the entire Wellesley section of the route, demonstrating both efficiency and scalability. The department noted that three units would provide full east, central, and west coverage for future events.
By equipping Wellesley Police Department with immediate, independent, and accurate drone detection, Dronetag RIDER proved to be a critical security solution. The technology enhanced autonomy, accelerated decision-making, and strengthened public safety during a major national event.
