Kissimmee Police Launch Drone Fleet to Boost Aerial Capabilities

New SkyDio drones will assist in missing persons cases and other law enforcement needs with quick aerial views.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:40am

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a police drone, its fuselage and propellers illuminated by vibrant neon lights, hovering above a cityscape, conveying the advanced technology and capabilities of Kissimmee's new aerial law enforcement tools.Kissimmee's new drone fleet provides a high-tech aerial advantage for law enforcement, enhancing public safety with quick-response capabilities.Kissimmee Today

The Kissimmee Police Department has launched a new drone program, deploying six SkyDio drone systems across patrol units to provide aerial perspectives and assistance in a variety of law enforcement situations. The drones can be airborne quickly, unlike a helicopter, and offer features like a spotlight, speaker for communication, and high-zoom cameras to aid in investigations and emergency response.

Why it matters

As technology continues to advance, law enforcement agencies are increasingly adopting drone programs to enhance their capabilities. Kissimmee's new drone fleet allows the police department to quickly access aerial views for a range of situations, from assisting lost boaters to surveilling large events, without the cost and logistical challenges of a manned helicopter.

The details

The Kissimmee Police Department has deployed six SkyDio drone systems, with four units spread across patrol shifts and two additional units for special events and downtown surveillance. The drones can be airborne in minutes, unlike a helicopter which requires 30 minutes or more to deploy. The drones feature a spotlight for nighttime use, a speaker to allow officers to communicate with those nearby, and a 128x zoom camera that can identify people from the airport two miles away. However, the department must follow FAA guidelines for drone use near the Kissimmee Gateway Airport.

  • The drone program went online last month.
  • The Kissimmee Police Department held a demonstration of the new drone units last week.

The players

Kissimmee Police Department

The local law enforcement agency in Kissimmee, Florida that has launched a new drone program to enhance their aerial capabilities.

Sgt. Charles Popp

The Kissimmee Police Department's SkyDio program coordinator who oversees the new drone fleet.

Chief Charles Broadway

The police chief of the Kissimmee Police Department who stated that using technology like drones is necessary to keep up with the times.

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What they’re saying

“They provide unmatched perspective from the air. For the size of our agency, having a manned (chopper) isn't feasible. The ability to have this system deploy quickly and get that aerial perspective is something that's becoming commonplace among the agencies we've spoken with.”

— Sgt. Charles Popp, SkyDio Program Coordinator, Kissimmee Police Department

“Just keeping up with technology. If you aren't using something like this, then you're falling behind.”

— Chief Charles Broadway, Police Chief, Kissimmee Police Department

What’s next

The Kissimmee Police Department will continue to train officers on the use of the new drone systems and coordinate with the FAA to ensure proper protocols are followed for flights near the Kissimmee Gateway Airport.

The takeaway

Kissimmee's investment in a drone program demonstrates how law enforcement agencies are leveraging new technologies to enhance their capabilities and better serve their communities. The quick aerial perspectives provided by the drones can aid in a variety of situations, from search and rescue to event security, without the cost and logistical challenges of a manned helicopter.