The Huntington Beach Police Department typically takes about five minutes to get to a crime scene or emergency situation.

Drones will soon cut that time to two minutes or less.

The department is expected to launch its Drone as First Responder program on Sept. 13, officials said during a news conference and demonstration Tuesday at the Lake Street Fire Station.

Three Skydio X10 drones will be docked on rooftops at strategic locations around the city, including a location near the Bella Terra outdoor mall and one near City Hall, said police Lt. Chris Nesmith.

Nesmith, who manages the department’s drone program, said each drone has a 2-mile radius. Eventually, the department hopes the whole city will be covered.

Drone as First Responder programs have been launching statewide. Large c

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