PEARLAND, Texas – In Pearland, police don’t always rush to emergencies in patrol cars. Sometimes, it’s a drone that gets there first.

With a Federal Aviation Administration waiver issued in 2023, Pearland Police can launch drones without an officer on-site.

The drones are positioned throughout the city and can fly autonomously to calls.

“Just hit launch and the drone starts doing the work for you,” Officer Matthew Marshall said.

They have three drones that are placed on the roof of buildings or in open areas that provide a clear takeoff area.

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“We don’t have to have somebody right then and there,” Sgt. Felix Williams said.

The drones have been able to respond to roughly 80% of major calls in

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