HomeMy WebLinkAboutLTC 130-2026 - Completion of Second Drone as a First Responder Dock InstallationMIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
LTC#
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
LETTER TO COMMISSION
Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City Commission
Eric Carpenter, City Manager � �
March 27, 2026
Completion of Second "Drone as a First Responder" Dock Installation
The purpose of this Letter to Commission (L TC) is to update the Mayor and City Commission on the successful completion of the second "Drone as a First Responder'' (DFR) dock installation. This L TC is provided pursuant to the May 22, 2024 request of the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee ("PSNQLC") to expand use of this technology, as well as in response to the February 3, 2025 City Commission discussion item regarding the use of drones to assist police
enforcement efforts and 9-1-1 calls (R9 Al).
At the core of the DFR program is the Skydio X10 drone, a state-of-the-art quadcopter designed
specifically for law enforcement applications. To ensure seamless and autonomous deployment,
the program leverages the Skydio Dock - a compact, weather-resistant station that houses,
charges, and deploys drones automatically. In January 2025, the Miami Beach Police Department
(MBPD) was selected as the first agency in the nation to use the Skydio X10 Dock. Powered by
advanced Al and automation, the Skydio Dock enables drones to be remotely operated from the
Real-Time Intelligence Center (RTIC) for immediate deployment during critical incidents, providing
invaluable support to officers in the field.
MBPD Technical Services Division is pleased to announce that the second DFR dock (Eagle 2)1
has been successfully installed and is now operational on the rooftop of the G6 Parking Garage
located at 400 42nd Street. This strategic placement enhances aerial coverage from Dade
Boulevard to the south through 63rd Street to the north.
MBPD is confident that this addition will further elevate the City's public safety innovation as the
Department continues expanding its drone capabilities. Beyond increasing operational efficiency, drones deployed as first responders reduce risk to officers, improve situational awareness, and provide critical real-time data during emergencies. This advancement aligns with the Administration's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to better serve and protect the community.
Drones are deployed as weather conditions allow and when they offer the greatest value to law enforcement operations. Because drones provide unique vantage points, the Department also proactively surveils the sea oats to identify potential encampments or other illicit activity.
1 Video visualization of the Eagle 2 maiden flight conducted by Pilot Fabio Bolanos
130-2026