Launching a drone program is about more than buying hardware and getting FAA waivers. If your agency isn’t bringing the community along for the journey, you’re risking more than just bad press — you’re risking the success of your program. And if you’re looking for funding, transparency isn’t optional. It’s the foundation.
| RESOURCE: This article is from the eBook, “How to fund Drone as First Responder programs.” Click here to download your copy and access a DFR Budget Development Checklist.
Why transparency matters
Drones raise questions. About privacy. About oversight. About mission creep. If your agency doesn’t get ahead of those questions, the narrative will be written for you — and it probably won’t be favorable. But when you’re clear about how and why drones are being used, people listen. They may still have concerns, but now they’re having a conversation with you, not about you.
Whether you’re applying for a federal grant or asking your city council for budget approval, decision-makers want to know: Will this program have public support? If your proposal includes clear steps for community engagement, privacy protections and regular reporting, you’ve already answered that question. You’re not just buying drones — you’re building trust. And trust unlocks funding.
What transparency looks like
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Agencies across the country are already setting the bar:
- Posting drone policies publicly
- Holding community forums before launch
- Creating short videos that show how drones are used in real incidents
- Sharing quarterly reports with usage data and mission types
- Inviting external partners to review and audit drone usage
| RELATED: What every agency needs to know as their DFR program evolves
A better conversation
The most successful drone programs aren’t the ones with the most tech — they’re the ones that communicate well. They’re upfront about limitations, set boundaries on usage and explain exactly how drones are helping solve problems the public cares about: finding missing persons, improving officer safety and reducing crime.
Be ready to say what drones won’t do. Reassure the public they’re not being used to watch them walk their dog. Then show them what drones are doing to keep them safer.
Transparency in action
Transparency isn’t just a concept; it’s a practice that law enforcement agencies across the country are implementing to gain community support for their drone programs. Here are some exemplary cases:
Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD), California
CVPD’s Drone as First Responder (DFR) program has been a pioneer in integrating drones into daily operations. A key to their success is the implementation of a public-facing transparency portal that provides real-time data on drone flights, including locations, durations, and purposes. This openness has been instrumental in building public trust and demonstrating the department’s commitment to accountability.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), Nevada
LVMPD has emphasized transparency since the inception of its drone program. Following the 2017 mass shooting, drones were utilized to document the extensive crime scene, showcasing their value in critical incidents. The department maintains a dedicated webpage outlining the program’s objectives, operational guidelines and safety protocols, ensuring the community stays informed.
Montgomery County Police Department, Maryland
Montgomery County’s DFR initiative underscores the importance of community engagement. The department conducts public demonstrations and town hall meetings to educate residents about drone operations, addressing privacy concerns and highlighting the benefits of rapid aerial response in emergencies.
Scottsdale Police Department, Arizona
The agency’s Drone as First Responder (DFR) program exemplifies a commitment to transparency and community engagement in modern policing. A key component is their public-facing flight dashboard, which automatically logs all drone flights and makes them accessible for community review. This initiative allows residents to see when, where, and why drones are deployed, reinforcing the department’s dedication to openness.
Operational protocols further underscore this transparency. Drones are dispatched reactively in response to 911 calls, not for proactive surveillance. During transit, cameras remain forward-facing and only orient downward upon reaching the incident scene, addressing privacy concerns.
Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico
A recent incident highlighted the critical role of drones in de-escalation. Deputies used drone footage to safely disarm two young children handling a loaded firearm, preventing a potential tragedy. Sheriff John Allen credited the drone’s real-time aerial view with aiding in the effective management of the volatile situation.
These examples demonstrate that transparency and community engagement are not just ethical imperatives but practical strategies that enhance the effectiveness and acceptance of drone programs. By openly sharing information, addressing public concerns and showcasing the tangible benefits of drone technology, law enforcement agencies can build lasting trust and secure the necessary support and funding for their initiatives.
Drone as First Responder (DFR) Programs FAQ
Here are some of the most common questions the public may have about DFR programs — and how you can proactively message your program to build trust and credibility.
Q: What is a Drone as First Responder (DFR) program?
A: A DFR program uses drones to quickly respond to emergency calls — often arriving at the scene before an officer. The drone provides real-time video to help dispatchers and officers assess the situation.
Q: Are drones replacing police officers?
A: No. Drones are a tool, not a replacement. They help officers work smarter and safer by providing early information — especially in high-risk or uncertain situations. Officers still respond and make decisions on the ground.
Q: When are drones launched?
A: Drones are launched in response to specific 911 calls, such as reports of suspicious activity, burglary or vehicle theft in progress, traffic accidents, mental health crisis calls and shots fired reports. Each agency has policies outlining drone use.
Q: Can drones record video all the time?
A: No. Drones are not recording constantly or flying random patrols. Video recording only begins when a drone is dispatched to a specific incident. Recordings are subject to department policies, retention rules and public records laws.
Q: What about privacy issues?
A: Drones are not used to monitor people without cause or to gather intelligence unrelated to a 911 call. Some agencies also offer public dashboards showing drone activity and transparency reports.
Q: Who operates the drones?
A: DFR drones are operated by trained and certified law enforcement personnel. They follow strict FAA regulations and departmental policies regarding safety, airspace use, and documentation.
Q: Can I request drone footage?
A: In many cases, yes. Drone video related to incidents may be subject to public records laws, just like dash cam or body cam footage. Requests follow the same process as other records requests.
Q: How do I know this program won’t be abused?
A: DFR programs operate under clear policies, FAA regulations, and in many cases, public oversight. Transparency is key — and community trust is built by being upfront about how the program works and how it’s used.
Q: How can I share feedback or concerns?
A: Most agencies offer a public contact or community liaison for drone programs. You can attend public meetings, review reports online, or reach out directly to your local department.
Transparency doesn’t just protect your agency — it powers your program. When the community understands how drones are being used, they become partners in the mission, not skeptics on the sidelines. The agencies that thrive aren’t the ones flying the most drones; they’re the ones earning the most trust. Building that trust takes consistency, openness and accountability — before launch, during operations and long after. Because when people believe in the purpose behind the technology, they’ll stand behind the officers using it.
