The Auburn Police Department announced this week that it is testing a new automated drone system that can respond to 911 calls and provide officers with information before they reach a scene.

The trial uses two Skydio X10 drones and two automated docking stations. Since trained operators completed additional flight instruction Sept. 10 and 11, the drones have responded to calls for service when available, according to the department.

The drones have completed more than 50 flights. Auburn Police said a drone arrived before officers in 47.1% of those responses and provided helpful intelligence in 88.2%.

Each mission must be connected to a 911 call. Police said the drones will not be used for general surveillance or random flights.

When dispatched, a drone automatically follows a designated flight path toward the call. Once it is about 300 feet from the scene, an operator can take manual control of the aircraft and its camera.

The camera remains pointed toward the horizon while the drone travels to the scene and is not directed downward or toward areas that cannot be observed by the public, according to police. Every flight and its associated data are recorded, and operators must complete a report after each mission.

The department has operated a drone program since 2019 and has 14 pilots certified under Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 regulations. Auburn Police recently received an FAA waiver allowing trained operators to conduct flights beyond their visual line of sight.

The X10 drones are equipped with parachutes and technology that receives location information transmitted by nearby aircraft. Police also worked with Auburn Municipal Airport to establish geographic flight restrictions intended to reduce the risk of conflicts with aircraft arriving at or departing from the airport.

The trial is scheduled to continue through Oct. 9.