Miami Beach just rolled out one of the most advanced policing programs in the country.

We’re talking about the launch of a $2 million Real Time Intelligence Center (RTIC) and Skydio’s Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program. This is a first for Florida, and Miami is also one of just five U.S. cities to deploy the purpose-built quadcopter for such a program. 

That means, if something goes down, you’re not just hoping officers get there fast. You’re getting an instant airborne response before they even arrive.

How Miami’s Drone Program is Reaching Crime Scenes in Minutes

Skydio’s DFR program is designed for rapid response. Once a crime gets reported, the drone is launched. It’s in the air within a minute. While ground units are still navigating traffic, the drone is already there — relaying live video to officers.

These drones are deployed straight from the Real Time Intelligence Center, where trained officers operate them remotely across the city—without needing a direct line of sight—thanks to a rare Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) waiver. Miami Beach Police is the first agency in Miami-Dade to receive this kind of operational clearance.

Such level of drone mobility allows for a blanket of surveillance that is not limited by traditional constraints. It’s a radical shift in public safety strategy that’s proving highly effective.

Inside Miami Beach’s $2 Million Brain

At the heart of this whole operation is the RTIC. Think of it as the ultimate command center.

850 cameras. 1,600 live views. 30 license plate readers. Live marine radar. Social media surveillance. All feeding into one place. Monitored 24/7. 

No other Florida city has this many surveillance tools. Miami Beach leads the state.

Here’s how it works:

  • Cameras across the city give real-time visual data
  • License plate readers track vehicles linked to crimes
  • RADII Marine Radar watches what’s happening offshore
  • AI monitors social media for potential threats

The RTIC is fully integrated.  Officers can use real-time data to assess risk, track movement, and decide how to respond before units even arrive. It saves lives and avoids unnecessary escalation.

And Skydio X10, used by 11.35% of agencies across the U.S, is the quadcopter at the center of the Miami Beach DFR program. It is equipped with advanced obstacle avoidance, thermal imaging, and night vision. It’s a fully autonomous aerial asset that operates regardless of visibility or weather, while streaming high-definition live video in real-time.

Its compact design and ability to be launched from the RTIC make it the perfect tool for urban environments. Whether it’s a traffic stop, burglary in progress, or crowd control situation, the Skydio X10 gives police the views they need for operational efficiency.

Related Reading: Skydio Expands X10D Drone Capabilities with Custom Payloads

Real-Time Intel Means Real Results

What sets this initiative apart is its immediacy.

Every second counts during a crisis. The RTIC ensures that no second is wasted. Live data feeds into the center, where trained professionals analyze it and dispatch appropriate resources instantly.

When a license plate reader pings on a stolen vehicle, the RTIC knows. When a large group forms on the beach, the RTIC sees it. When a threat is made on social media, the RTIC is alerted.

Crime rates during spring break have dropped. Arrests are being made faster. Situations are being defused before they spiral.

A Long-Term Investment in Safety

The $2 million investment was a strategic decision to build the foundation for a new era of public safety. Funded in part by a 2018 voter-approved bond, the program represents a community’s commitment to smarter policing.

City officials see this as the beginning. There’s room to expand the drone fleet. There are plans to integrate more AI-driven analytics. Future versions of the RTIC may incorporate predictive policing tools. For now, the focus is on fine-tuning what they have — and showing the rest of the country what’s possible.

Why It Works: Transparency + Accountability

Critics of surveillance often worry about overreach. But in Miami Beach, transparency is part of the design. Every deployment, every flight path, every use of force is logged and reviewed. The RTIC is not a hidden bunker — it’s a visible commitment to accountability.

Body cams work in tandem with drone footage. Public footage requests are honored. Citizen oversight committees are part of the process. This is about using tools responsibly — and making that responsibility visible to everyone.

Officers Are Safer Too

It’s not just about catching criminals. It’s about protecting those who protect us.

With aerial support, officers entering volatile situations have more information. They know how many people are involved. They see weapons before approaching. They communicate more effectively.

This means fewer surprises. Fewer injuries. Better outcomes for everyone.

Round-the-Clock Protection

Unlike traditional patrols, drones don’t take breaks. The RTIC never logs off. Cameras don’t blink. That means Miami Beach has true 24/7 coverage. This deters crime, speeds response, and keeps everyone — resident or visitor — more secure. As a resident, visitor, or business owner, you also have a voice. You can ask questions. Attend public meetings. Learn how the tech works.