The police department launched its drone program in Wheaton this week.
Drone pilots conducted their first flight in Wheaton on Wednesday, according to the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD).
It is the second drone launched as part of the Drone as a First Responder Program. The first was launched in Silver Spring.
The drone program in Silver Spring has been a valuable asset since November, according to police. Police said it helps officers with faster response, decision-making, de-escalation as well as with staffing shortages.
Police announced in November that the program had begun. In November and December, Raven 1 in downtown Silver Spring was first on scene for 121 calls, according to police.
The drone in Wheaton has the call sign Raven 2.
Last month, police shared that the drone helped officers arrest two men after an alleged theft at Safeway in downtown Silver Spring.
And in November last year, police said the drone helped apprehend a repeat shoplifter who targeted a CVS Pharmacy in Silver Spring on multiple occasions.
The drone program allows drones to go to the scene of a call for service either before or alongside officers, according to police.
Photo courtesy Montgomery County Police Department.
