NBPD Becomes First Hudson Municipality To Utilize A Drone As A First Responder

It’s a first of its kind for any Hudson County municipality, and just the fourth in the entire state of New Jersey.  The North Bergen Police Department has officially launched a cutting-edge drone unit, becoming the first town in Hudson to utilize a drone as a first responder (DFR) using unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into its public safety operations.

The unit is spearheaded by Sgt. Sean Rahbari, a certified Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) remote pilot and member of the Hudson County Regional SWAT Team.  According to a press release from the municipality, “the newly formed NBPD UAS Division includes a team of four specially trained officers. The program enhances situational awareness, improves response times, and increases officer and civilian safety without the high costs and risks associated with traditional aviation units.”

Chief Robert Farley Jr.’s efforts to secure these funds have helped to fortify the local police force with valuable upgrades to keep residents safe.  The township will be announcing further upgrades to the police department during the coming weeks. With each flight using about 5% battery per mile and requiring just 25 minutes to recharge, the drones offer a rapid-deployment advantage unmatched by traditional methods.

Chief Farley stated, “This program took nearly a year to get off the ground— from FAA licensing to implementation —but it was worth every step. Our UAS Division is already proving invaluable in search operations, scene assessments, and supporting patrol units. We’re proud to lead Hudson County in deploying this kind of life-saving technology.”