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Wellesley Police Department Protects Boston Marathon Airspace with Dronetag RIDER
In the aftermath of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, concerns over drone-related threats have intensified, especially with the increasing availability of affordable commercial UAVs. With limited federal drone detection resources available in 2025, the Wellesley Police Department required a solution they could manage independently during one of the nation’s largest public events.
To address this, the department deployed two Dronetag RIDER units, operated by mobile teams throughout the Boston Marathon. These devices provided real-time tracking of drones and their pilots, eliminating the need to depend on state or federal agencies, spotters, or secondhand reports.
“The officer can literally see where he is on the map, and where the drone/
pilot is. Not having to rely on someone else giving directions is a game
changer.” - Scott Whittemore, Chief of Wellesley Police Department
Key outcomes:
- Detected 4 drones at distances up to 2 km (1.2 miles)
- Identified models including DJI Mavic 3, DJI M3T, and DJI M30T
- Enhanced local autonomy and decision-making capabilities
- Intuitive Dronetag RIDER operation requiring minimal training
- Faster and more confident responses during high-risk situations
Result:
Dronetag RIDER filled a critical gap when it mattered most - providing direct, field-level drone detection during a major public event. With rapid deployment, easy operation, and accurate tracking, RIDER gave
officers the autonomy to act fast, stay informed, and ensure public safety with confidence.