The newly formed NBPD UAS Division, spearheaded by Sgt. Sean Rahbari, a certified Federal Aviation Administration remote pilot and member of the Hudson County Regional SWAT Team, includes a team of four specially trained officers.
Mayor Nicholas Sacco called the launch a “historic moment for public safety in North Bergen.”
He said that by adopting the innovative drone technology, the township is staying ahead of the curve, using smart, safe tools to protect residents and support officers on the ground.
The drones, manufactured by Texas-based company Paladin, operate within a 3-mile radius using LTE transmission.
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.
Public Safety Commissioner Allen Pascual said the drone program is a “game-changer” for how the department approaches emergency response, giving them the capabilities of an aviation unit without the high costs and safety risks associated with traditional methods like helicopters.
The initiative was officially installed one month ago and was funded entirely through criminal forfeiture funds secured by Chief Robert Farley Jr., ensuring no burden to taxpayers. 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 the program took nearly a year to get off the ground, from FAA licensing to implementation, but it was worth every step.
The UAS Division is already proving invaluable in search operations, scene assessments, and supporting patrol units. North Bergen is currently one of only five municipalities in the state with this type of 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.
Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff.
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