Drone Saves Lives: Hostage Standoff & The Future of Police Work with Jason Cokinos

In this compelling episode of DroneCast, host Joe Kearns talks with Jason Cokinos, a forward-thinking leader from the Montgomery County Police Department, about how drones are becoming an essential tool for law enforcement. This episode offers a deep dive into how Montgomery County went from having no aerial support to operating a fully integrated, life-saving drone program that’s changing how officers respond to emergencies.

Jason discusses how the department achieved an incredible 71% first-on-scene rate using their Drone as First Responder (DFR) model, helping reduce response times from over 10 minutes to under two. He shares impactful stories—including a dramatic hostage situation in which drone surveillance prevented an unnecessary SWAT breach—showcasing how drones are not only improving response capabilities but also saving lives and minimizing risks.

Listeners will gain insight into how Montgomery County built community trust through transparency, integrated drone operations with Live 911, and leveraged drones to navigate staffing shortages. The episode also touches on how multi-agency collaboration, real-time aerial intelligence, and advanced drone strategies are supporting safer, smarter law enforcement tactics.

Whether you're a public safety professional, drone operator, or policymaker, this episode delivers actionable takeaways on how to implement a scalable, trusted drone program that truly serves the community. Montgomery County’s model offers a roadmap for departments nationwide looking to elevate their emergency response through drone technology.

What You'll Learn:

How Montgomery County built an effective drone program from the ground up—without traditional air support
The game-changing impact of Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs on response times and officer safety
Strategies to gain community trust and maintain transparency while deploying drones in urban environments
How real-time drone surveillance is being used to de-escalate high-risk situations and avoid the use of deadly force
The benefits of integrating Live 911 data with drone operations to enhance situational awareness
How agencies are using drones to overcome staffing shortages and maximize limited resources
The critical role of multi-agency collaboration in scaling and sustaining drone programs
Proven tactics for using drone footage to support successful prosecutions and improve tactical outcomes

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Episode Highlights:

[07:10] Leveraging Drones in High-Stakes Tactical Operations
Joe Kearns shares how drone technology prevented a potential deadly force situation during a hostage crisis by providing real-time visual intelligence. The drone positioned at the 14th floor of a high-rise allowed command to accurately assess that the suspect was only yelling on the phone with negotiators, rather than presenting an immediate threat. This critical insight prevented an unnecessary emergency breach by the SWAT team, demonstrating how aerial perspective can de-escalate potentially dangerous situations. The successful implementation led to widespread adoption, with SWAT teams now utilizing drones on every tactical operation. This integration has transformed their approach to high-risk scenarios, enhancing officer safety while enabling more informed decision-making.
[10:03] Building Community Trust Through Transparency
The Montgomery County PD developed a comprehensive approach to gaining public support for their drone program through extensive community engagement. They conducted town halls and listening tours to address concerns about surveillance and privacy, establishing clear boundaries and policies based on community input. Their commitment to transparency included restrictions on facial recognition, audio interception, and monitoring of peaceful protests. The department leverages DroneSense flight mapping and public dashboards to maintain complete operational transparency. This approach has led to increasing community comfort with drone operations, with some residents now requesting expanded services.
[20:21] Revolutionizing Response Times with Live 911 Integration
The department's drone program achieves rapid response by integrating with Live 911, allowing immediate deployment upon initial emergency calls. This system enables drone operators to respond before the traditional two-minute call processing time, often arriving on scene as incidents are still unfolding. Their rapid response capabilities have significantly increased criminal apprehensions in their coverage areas, as demonstrated by a successful assault case where drone footage led to a seven-year conviction. By maintaining a 71% first-on-scene rate and handling 15% of calls without requiring officer response, the program effectively addresses staffing shortages while improving service delivery.
[16:05] Cross-Agency Collaboration Through Unified Drone Operations
The police department consolidated separate agency drone programs into a unified operation, enhancing emergency response capabilities across multiple scenarios. This integration enables seamless support for various missions, from tornado damage assessment to fire department operations, using DroneSense's MagicLink feature to share real-time feeds with relevant stakeholders. The collaborative approach maximizes resource efficiency while providing specialized support for tactical operations, search and rescue missions, and routine patrol activities. Their success demonstrates how centralized drone operations can benefit multiple agencies while maintaining operational flexibility.