Drones in law enforcement
Master Police Officer Mendez at the Millhouse at Philip S. Miller Park in Castle Rock.
Faith, family, and fun fuel Master Police Officer Adrian Mendez. He enjoys time outside hiking, camping, off-roading and riding motorcycles, spending time with his family and taking care of those closest to him and his community. Adrian carries these passions into his work with the Castle Rock Police Department (CRPD). What was once a hobby, Adrian uses his drone pilot experience as part of a new program at CRPD: Drone as First Responder (DFR).
Launched in August, the DFR program has made a difference in response time and officer availability across the department. “Drones are a resource multiplier that can assist with a variety of calls—anything from critical incidents to traffic issues,” Adrian explained. “Drones can also be used to help clear calls, which keeps officers in service and available for duties better handled in person.” He further noted that beyond emergency situations, drones can be used to help locate missing persons, help with school safety and with organized retail crimes.
DFR is an extension of CRPD’s existing drone program, which started in 2021. The CRPD currently has 10 drones and nine pilots; collectively, the drones flew more than 750 flights in 2024. DFR has a four-mile radius and an average 85-second response time. The CRPD is the first Colorado agency to obtain a waiver to fly drones up to 400 vertical feet without a visual observer.
Police Chief Jack Cauley explained some of the benefits of using drones: “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.”
Growing up in Denver with a single mother with five children, Adrian lived in government housing. He attended Lincoln High School where he met Officer White, the school resource officer. The interactions and conversations between the two created a respect for professional policing and ultimately led Adrian to his current career.
Adrian started with CRPD in 2006, staying for seven years, then joining the Denver Police Department. In 2022, Adrian returned to CRPD, where he wears many hats. He is currently in the Community Partnership Unit as the department’s navigator liaison. He assists with recruiting; is an instructor; serves on the Honor Guard; and is part of the Peer Support Team.
It is the community focus that Adrian loves about CRPD, both within the department and the connections between the police and the citizens of Castle Rock. “My favorite thing about being part of the Castle Rock Police Department is the people,” concluded Adrian.
Castle Rock Police Department added drones to its first responder team. The Flock Safety drones are stationed on an automated, battery-swapping dock and are ready for immediate deployment on a moments notice.
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Castle Rock Police Department
