Flying Forward: Inside Scottsdale PD’s Drone-First Policing with Assistant Chief Rich Slavin

Join your hosts Jamie Hudson and Dalton Webb as they dive deep with Assistant Chief Rich Slavin of the Scottsdale Police Department. From nostalgic tales of Crown Victorias and early police tech to cutting-edge drone programs and real-time crime centers, this episode explores the rapid evolution of public safety through technology. Assistant Chief Slavin shares his insights from decades of law enforcement experience and details how Scottsdale is setting a national standard in drone-as-first-responder (DFR) deployment, transparency, and innovation.Discover how Scottsdale PD balances community trust, operational efficiency, and officer safety—all while pioneering next-gen policing strategies that are reshaping public safety for the better.Topics include: • DFR program success and ROI • Real-time crime center integration • Transparency and public trust • The future of aerial policing in diverse urban/rural settings