Restricted Airspace, Unrestricted Innovation: Drone Ops in DC's Shadow with Jason Cokinos

In this compelling DroneCast episode, Joe Kearns dives deep with Montgomery County’s Jason Cokinos to uncover the operational complexities of integrating drone technology within restricted airspace near Washington DC. Montgomery County Police Department, serving over 1.1 million residents, faces unique challenges without traditional air support, prompting them to innovate with drone-first response strategies.

Jason shares how they cultivated strong federal stakeholder relationships to secure approval and support, transitioned away from Chinese-made drones for security reasons, and developed scenario-based training to prepare operators for real-world situations. The conversation highlights how sustainable drone programs rely on reliable internet infrastructure, standardized safety checklists, and cross-agency collaboration between police and fire departments. Looking forward, Jason and Joe discuss emerging opportunities for tactical drone deliveries and the continued evolution of drone operations in public safety.

This episode provides valuable lessons for agencies operating in complex environments and those seeking to build resilient, scalable drone programs that prioritize safety, transparency, and operational excellence.

What You'll Learn:

How to effectively navigate FAA and federal agency regulations to operate drones in restricted airspace
Strategies for building and maintaining critical relationships with federal stakeholders
Key considerations and frameworks for transitioning from foreign-made drones to trusted domestic alternatives
Developing comprehensive, scenario-based training programs to ensure operational readiness
Best practices for scaling drone programs from decentralized units to centralized operations
The importance of checklist-driven protocols and safety procedures for sustainable program management
Leveraging interagency partnerships between law enforcement and fire departments to enhance drone utility
Insights into future advancements, such as tactical delivery applications in law enforcement drone use

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Episode Highlights:

[00:01] Building Buy-In for Drone Programs
Joe Kearns emphasizes the critical importance of approaching drone program development like a sales process, focusing on relationship-building and proving the concept. Law enforcement agencies often struggle with stakeholder buy-in due to a traditional "we know best" mindset. The key is to actively sell successes and demonstrate value to all stakeholders, from department leadership to community members. Establishing partnerships with fire departments and other agencies creates stronger community support and shared resources. Building these relationships leads to sustained program growth and increased operational capabilities.
[07:28] Navigating Restricted Airspace Operations
Operating in DC's flight restricted zone requires careful coordination with multiple federal agencies and strict adherence to special protocols. The Montgomery County program demonstrates how to build trust through transparency and regular communication with airspace stakeholders. They've achieved success by inviting inspections, sharing drone locations via DroneSense, and maintaining professional operations. Understanding when to pause operations during sensitive events like State of the Union addresses shows operational maturity. Their approach has enabled nearly 2,000 successful flights in restricted airspace while maintaining security requirements.
[18:27] Developing Elite Drone Operators
The program implements rigorous screening and training processes to identify and develop qualified drone operators. Candidates undergo stress tests, including simulated pursuit scenarios, to evaluate their decision-making and communication skills. Monthly training sessions combine classroom instruction with extensive hands-on flight practice using real-world scenarios. The program maintains small class sizes of 5-6 operators to ensure adequate flight time and personalized instruction. This comprehensive approach creates resilient, technically proficient operators who can handle both routine and high-stress situations effectively.
[12:43] Strategic Infrastructure Planning
For successful drone operations, establishing reliable infrastructure is crucial, particularly regarding internet connectivity and facility placement. Hard-wired Ethernet connections at county facilities provide the most reliable connection for drone operations. The program strategically locates drone docks at police and fire stations to maximize coverage of high-priority areas. Planning for 10-12 dock sites with multiple drones per location enables comprehensive coverage across dense urban areas. This infrastructure strategy allows for efficient scaling while maintaining operational reliability.