Drone Saves Lives: Hostage Standoff & The Future of Police Work with Jason Cokinos
Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time · 2025-05-27 · 26 min
Episode notes
In this compelling episode of DroneCast, host Joe Kearns talks with Jason Cokinos, a forward-thinking leader from the Montgomery County Police Department, about how drones are becoming an essential tool for law enforcement. This episode offers a deep dive into how Montgomery County went from having no aerial support to operating a fully integrated, life-saving drone program that’s changing how officers respond to emergencies. Jason discusses how the department achieved an incredible 71% first-on-scene rate using their Drone as First Responder model, helping reduce response times from over 10 minutes to under two. He shares impactful stories—including a dramatic hostage situation in which drone surveillance prevented an unnecessary SWAT breach—showcasing how drones are not only improving response capabilities but also saving lives and minimizing risks. Listeners will gain insight into how Montgomery County built community trust through transparency, integrated drone operations with Live 911, and leveraged drones to navigate staffing shortages.