In this Tech Speak minisode, the Science and Technology Directorate reports from a field in Mississippi where we tested a new type of drone system—the Bellbird Communications Platform—over the summer with first responders from across the country. With a microphone and a powerful speaker, the Bellbird facilitates important emergency messaging between responders and crowds. Maintaining clear communication without putting people at risk is something that could ultimately help keep everyone safe in challenging situations. Hear from some of the responder evaluators about how this technology meets their needs, as well as S&T Program Manager Brenda Long and National Urban Security Technology Laboratory Test Lead Bhargav Patel about how and why we conduct these types of field tests.