How Asheville Police Department Uses DJI Drones for Faster Emergency Response | 30-Second Dispatch

Summary

After Hurricane Helene caused severe flooding and damage in Asheville, drones became essential for locating people, assessing hazardous areas, and helping responders operate where roads and terrain were inaccessible.

• Rapid deployment: The Asheville Police Department used drone docking stations and a mobile DJI Dock 3 setup. The mobile dock could be brought to a scene and recalibrate a drone in roughly 30–45 seconds. Once launch was initiated, the drone could be airborne in about 10 seconds. Officers also described launching a docked drone in under 30 seconds during a police incident.
• Dock 3 features: A department representative who had used Dock 1, Dock 2, and Dock 3 said the newer dock made it faster to arrive on scene, fly, return, and recharge than Dock 2. They also highlighted longer flight time, quieter operation, and the ability to combine fixed docks with a mobile dock while retaining automation.
• Operational uses: Drones provided overwatch for search-and-rescue work, helped officers locate and track suspected looters in areas difficult to reach by vehicle, and helped locate a fleeing assault suspect. Aerial imagery also supported damage assessment and recovery planning.
• Mapping and data sharing: Drone footage revealed more than 900 submerged vehicles or vessels in Asheville’s riverways. Live views and repeated flights helped city departments and other agencies assess damage, including at a reservoir and water-supply infrastructure. The department aimed to provide ongoing imagery to public agencies and private businesses.
• BVLOS and staffing: Asheville described having a beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) waiver. This enabled fewer pilots to operate more drones and helped the department map areas more quickly or reach places it otherwise could not.
• Community guidance: A community member said their initial privacy concerns eased after seeing drones used in unsafe areas during the hurricane response. The department advised agencies considering a similar program to involve stakeholders and the community early, explain the purpose and legal limits of drone use, and be transparent about deployment policies.

Content Type

This is a public-safety case study and product evaluation, not a step-by-step tutorial. It includes a first-hand comparison of Dock 3 with earlier DJI dock models and recommendations for agencies adopting drone programs.

Main Speakers and Sources

Asheville Police Department personnel and drone operators; an Ovrwatch representative involved in the deployment; a community member discussing privacy concerns; and an Air1 dispatch voice.