Real-Time, Real Change: How Technology, DFR, and Community Transparency Are Redefining the Game in Scottsdale

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On a crisp day in Arizona (yes, surprisingly mild), we sat down with Assistant Chief Rich Slavin of the Scottsdale Police Department for a wide-ranging conversation about innovation in public safety, the evolution of drone use, community trust, and what it means to lead a progressive law enforcement agency in 2025.

From his early days patrolling in Crown Victorias to launching one of the most forward-thinking Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs in the country, Assistant Chief Slavin has witnessed—and helped drive—immense transformation.

From Radio Shack to Real-Time Crime Centers

As AC Slavin puts it, the earliest “tech” in tactical operations was a Radio Shack camera duct-taped to a painter’s pole. Fast-forward to today, and Scottsdale PD’s DFR program launches drones before officers even arrive on the scene. And in some cases, before calls are officially dispatched.

This acceleration, known internally as “T-minus time,” gives Scottsdale PD a head start on nearly every high-priority incident.

“We’re no longer just guessing what’s happening. We’re seeing it in real time,” says AC Slavin.

Why Transparency Is the Secret Weapon

Technology like DFR, LPRs, and real-time video can raise concerns in any community. But Scottsdale PD has taken a proactive approach: announce the tech, explain the purpose, and invite scrutiny.

“There are no secrets here,” AC Slavin says. “We held a press conference the day we launched DFR. If you want to see how we’re using it, come in. We’ll show you.”

The approach seems to be working. Residents and tourists alike value safety, and the department has earned strong community trust.

Tourist Town, Tech Town

With over 13 million annual visitors and a vibrant local population, Scottsdale’s economy depends on perception and reality aligning—safe, welcoming, efficient. That’s why technology isn’t just a convenience. It’s part of the city’s brand.

“We want it to be really, really hard to commit a crime here and get away with it,” AC Slavin says bluntly.

And it’s working. He cites a recent example of a major South American theft crew that was caught thanks to coordinated tech tools—cameras, analytics, and DFR—working in harmony.

Drones and the Future of First Response

While drones started in tactical SWAT operations over a decade ago, the current DFR program is truly next-level. With multiple certified pilots, Scottsdale PD is redefining response times.

They even track “virtual response time”—how fast a drone gets eyes on a scene—next to traditional physical response time. In many cases, the drone arrives before the call is fully dispatched.

“We had a burglary in progress where the drone found the suspects already running away—before units arrived. We caught them because of that aerial view,” AC Slavin explains.

Real-Time Crime Centers: The Secret Force Multiplier

DFR isn’t operating in a vacuum. It’s integrated into a growing Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC), where human analysts monitor more than 5,000 camera feeds, provide live intel, and support field officers in critical moments. [Stay tuned for an episode with RTCC Supervisor Henningsen from Scottsdale PD where we dive into this side of the operation.] The team even offers “virtual partner” support—monitoring officers on solo traffic stops for safety.

“When officers ride alone, that virtual partner gives them another set of eyes. You can’t quantify how valuable that is,” says AC Slavin.

What’s Next for Scottsdale PD?

Assistant Chief Slavin’s vision includes expanding drone platforms across different city zones, potentially incorporating fixed-wing aircraft for wide-area coverage.

But the core mission won’t change: empower smarter policing, safeguard community trust, and make Scottsdale a place where safety feels seamless.

“When I retire, I just want to leave this department in a progressive posture,” AC Slavin says. “Always exploring. Always improving.”

Key Takeaways

• Transparency is everything: Scottsdale PD’s openness builds trust, not resistance.
  
• DFR is more than buzz: It’s reshaping what “response time” means.
  
• Tech + humans = smarter policing: The RTCC supports officers and boosts safety for law enforcement and the community alike.
  
• Partnerships matter: Real impact comes when tech companies build alongside officers, not just for them.

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