By: Najla Alexander
Hudson County officials announced that the North Bergen Police Department has officially launched a cutting-edge drone unit, becoming the first municipality in Hudson County to integrate a drone as a first responder (DFR) using unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into its public safety operations.
There are currently only four other municipalities in the state that use this type of technology, HCPO officials say.
According to Hudson County officials, spearheaded by Sgt. Sean Rahbari, a certified Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) remote pilot and member of the Hudson County Regional SWAT Team, the newly formed NBPD UAS Division includes a team of four specially trained officers.
The program enhances situational awareness, improves response times, and increases officer and civilian safety without the high costs and risks associated with traditional aviation units, Hudson County authorities stated.
The Honorable Mayor Nicholas Sacco said, “By adopting this innovative technology, we’re staying ahead of the curve, using smart, safe tools that help protect our residents and support our officers on the ground.”
The piloting software— manufactured by Paladin, a Texas-based company —operates within a 3-mile radius using LTE transmission, HCPO officials said. While they can fly up to 400 feet, they are generally deployed at around 200 feet, responding in real time to emergencies prioritized by NBPD supervisors.
Each mission is recorded and stored in a secure database, helping document and analyze public safety responses across the township, according to Hudson County officials.
Public Safety Commissioner Allen Pascual stated, “We now have the capabilities of an aviation unit without putting a pilot in the air or dealing with the extreme costs and safety risks of helicopters—something that’s especially important given recent aerial accidents in the region.”
The initiative was officially installed one month ago and was funded entirely through criminal forfeiture funds, ensuring no burden to taxpayers, Hudson County authorities said. Chief Robert Farley Jr.’s efforts to secure these funds have helped to fortify the local police force with valuable upgrades to keep residents safe.
HCPO officials say we will be announcing further upgrades to the police department during the coming weeks. With each flight using about 5% battery per mile and requiring just 25 minutes to recharge, the drones offer a rapid-deployment advantage unmatched by traditional methods.
Chief Farley said, “This program took nearly a year to get off the ground— from FAA licensing to implementation —but it was worth every step. Our UAS Division is already proving invaluable in search operations, scene assessments, and supporting patrol units. We’re proud to lead Hudson County in deploying this kind of life-saving technology.”
The North Bergen Police Department’s UAS Program marks a major leap forward in the department’s ongoing efforts to modernize policing and maintain the highest standards of public service and safety, according to Hudson County officials.