CLOVIS, Calif. — The Clovis Police Department’s newly launched Drone as First Responder program is already proving effective, helping officers track down and arrest a theft suspect in real time during its first week in operation, KFSN reported.
The incident happened on Sept. 24 when police were alerted to a theft at a Walmart, according to the report. A 19-year-old suspect reportedly stole a bicycle and fled the store. The suspect, who has a known history of shoplifting and has been banned from Walmart stores across Fresno County, now faces charges including shoplifting and obstructing an officer.
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Using the DFR system, officers deployed a drone to the scene before ground units arrived. The drone located the suspect riding through a parking lot. The drone continued to track his movements until officers arrived and made the arrest.
“He would have been lost if it weren’t for the drone,” Clovis Police Public Information Officer Ty Wood told KFSN.
Advanced tools in use
The department currently operates two dedicated DFR drones, each equipped with infrared imaging, zoom cameras and sirens, according to the report. They typically fly at about 200 feet, giving officers a wide-angle view with detailed zoom capability, enough to read license plates or capture suspect descriptions.
The drone feeds are streamed into Clovis PD’s Real Time Information Center, a former conference room now outfitted to monitor 400-500 surveillance cameras throughout the city, along with drone video.
The department plans to expand the program with a third drone expected to be operational next year, according to the report.
As the DFR program gains traction, Clovis Police say it’s not only boosting response times and situational awareness but strengthening public safety overall.
