Wayland Police Rolls Out New Drone Unit

WAYLAND, MA — The Wayland Police Department is rolling out new technology to improve public safety, announcing the launch of its Unmanned Aircraft System, commonly known as a drone program.

Wayland police recently introduced the new tool, which will be operated by trained officers, including Officers Walker and Kovatsi and School Resource Officer Bowles. The three officers will also get an assist from Wayland police's official Comfort Dog Archie.

"This technology gives our officers a new tool to safely and efficiently serve our community," the town shared in a news release. "Our drone allows us to gain a better perspective during incidents, improve response times and reduce risk to both officers and the public."

Police will use the drone to search for missing people, assist K-9 tracking, and document crash scenes and major incidents.

The department plans to use the drone in several key situations, including searching for missing or vulnerable individuals, assisting K-9 units during tracking operations, and documenting crash scenes and other major incidents. It will also support fire and EMS crews during emergencies and allow police to monitor large events or potentially hazardous situations from a safe distance.

The addition of the drone program reflects a broader effort to incorporate modern technology into day-to-day policing, officials said.

“All drone operations are conducted in accordance with FAA regulations and strict departmental policy,” town officials said in the announcement, emphasizing a strong commitment to protecting residents’ privacy.

Police say the program is designed not only to enhance efficiency but also to improve overall outcomes in critical situations where time and visibility are key factors.

With the launch of the drone program, Wayland joins a growing number of local departments across Massachusetts adopting UAS technology as part of their public safety toolkit.

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