Q&A with Sgt. Jonathan Konetz: Launching the Future of Public Safety
Published on August 04, 2025
Q&A with Sgt. Jonathan Konetz
This month, we sat down with Sgt. Konetz, leader of the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department’s new Drone Unit, to talk about the city’s groundbreaking Drone as First Responder (DFR) program. As the first fully operational, non-beta DFR program in Florida, this initiative puts Sunny Isles Beach at the forefront of public safety innovation.
What will the autonomous drone be used for?
The drone will support emergency response in a wide range of situations, from searching for missing persons and locating fleeing suspects or stolen vehicles, to monitoring large crowds and traffic, and even assisting in medical emergencies. It’s designed to help officers get real-time information quickly and safely, especially in fast-moving or high-risk incidents where traditional methods may take longer.
How does it work?
We’re using Skydio X10 drones—known for their high autonomy, speed, and advanced imaging capabilities, including thermal and infrared cameras. These drones are housed in “Docks” that act as charging and launch stations.
When a call comes in, the drone can launch within 20 seconds and reach most locations in under 2 minutes. It sends live video to officers' phones or computers, often before they arrive on scene. Thanks to FAA authorization, the drones can even operate beyond the line of sight, providing a broader perspective on unfolding situations.
Tell us about the new drone unit.
Our Drone Unit is made up of officers who’ve earned their FAA Part 107 remote pilot certifications, which allows them to legally and safely operate drones for public safety use. The team went through extensive training to prepare for full deployment.
This team also ensures we follow federal laws and city policies to maintain accountability and protect privacy. It’s a collaborative effort that combines law enforcement, engineering, and technology to serve the community more efficiently
How will the drone benefit the police department and residents?
The biggest difference is response time. With a drone, we can now assess emergencies before officers even arrive, allowing us to make informed decisions faster. This can be critical in missing person calls, active incidents, or high-traffic areas.
It also improves officer safety. A drone can scout an area from above, giving us better situational awareness before we go in. For residents, that means help arrives faster, and incidents can be resolved more effectively and safely. It also helps the city manage large events or daily traffic more smoothly.
Final thoughts?
This program could not have happened without the amazing teamwork between our Police Department, Public Works, and IT. Everyone worked together to bring cutting-edge technology to the people of Sunny Isles Beach, faster, smarter, and safer. We're excited about what this means for the for the future and proud to serve as a model for other communities.