Castle Rock expands drone first responder program, shortens emergency response times
Castle Rock Police Department has expanded its Drone as First Responder program, reducing on scene response times and keeping officers available for in person duties. The program’s quick deployment capability affects public safety, school security, and search efforts across Douglas County.
The Castle Rock Police Department announced enhancements to its Drone as First Responder program at an event December 1 at the Millhouse at Philip S. Miller Park. Launched in August, the program has already shortened the time to gather scene information and allowed officers to remain available for critical in person tasks.
Master Police Officer Adrian Mendez, who has translated his hobby as a drone pilot into department work, highlighted the operational advantages. “Drones are a resource multiplier that can assist with a variety of calls, anything from critical incidents to traffic issues,” Adrian explained. He added that drones help clear calls and keep officers in service and available for duties better handled in person. Police Chief Jack Cauley emphasized the safety benefits. “Having the capability to reach a scene before our officers is a major advantage in keeping our community safe. Those extra seconds or minutes can provide crucial, real time information, allowing our officers to plan and coordinate their responses more effectively, enhancing safety for both our team and the community we serve.”
The program builds on a drone initiative that began in 2021. Castle Rock currently operates 10 drones with nine certified pilots. The drones flew more than 750 missions in 2024 and the DFR option provides coverage within a radius of four miles, with an average response time of 85 seconds. Castle Rock is the first agency in Colorado to receive a waiver allowing flights up to 400 vertical feet without a visual observer, expanding the operational flexibility for complex calls.
Equipment includes Flock Safety drones stationed on automated battery swapping docks that are ready for immediate deployment. Local impacts include faster scene assessment for traffic incidents, more rapid searches for missing persons, enhanced support for school safety operations, and new tools to address organized retail crime while preserving officer resources for in person work.
Adrian’s path to the police department was shaped by early interactions with a school resource officer while he attended Lincoln High School in Denver. He joined Castle Rock in 2006, served with the Denver Police Department, and returned to Castle Rock in 2022. In addition to piloting drones he serves in the Community Partnership Unit as navigator liaison, assists with recruiting, instructs, takes part in the Honor Guard, and supports colleagues as a member of the Peer Support Team. “My favorite thing about being part of the Castle Rock Police Department is the people,” concluded Adrian.
