The integration of drone technology in law enforcement has revolutionized police operations and emergency response strategies. This Police1 guide delves into the multifaceted role of drones, highlighting their utility in enhancing public safety, improving situational awareness and expediting response times. And as the landscape of public safety evolves, Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs are emerging as indispensable tools, bridging the gap between traditional policing methods and cutting-edge technology.
DFR PROGRAMS IN ACTION
Scottsdale Police didn’t follow a template; it built a Drone as First Responder program designed around its terrain, staffing and commitment to transparency
Drones are launched when pilots monitoring Live911 detect 911 calls that may benefit from aerial overwatch
Irving PD’s drones beat officers to the scene in over half of calls — and as civilian drone use grows, the agency is investing in tools to detect and manage airspace threats
In 2024, the agency’s DFR program had over 1,700 calls for service, with units first on scene for 72% of calls with an average response time of 70 seconds
With response times under a minute, real-time intelligence and a focus on de-escalation, Montgomery County’s Drone as First Responder program is redefining public safety
Since launching in 2018, Chula Vista PD’s drone program has responded to over 20,000 calls for service
Explore how this joint effort in Northern California is reshaping emergency response with faster, smarter, drone-driven solutions
Patrol officers will be able to watch live video feeds from drones dispatched to crime scenes by a gunshot detection system
With the DFR program, LVMPD is taking the next step to make them one of the most technologically advanced police agencies in the country
“The DFR program...integrates with the technology in our Real-Time Information Center [and] enhances our ability to allocate resources efficiently,” the Elk Grove PD stated
Starting or expanding a DFR program? Get expert insights, real-world case studies and best practices to boost your agency’s efficiency in this must-watch webinar
DFR CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE
From rooftop crews to citywide automation, Elk Grove has built the blueprint for scalable, 24/7 drone response — and it’s changing the game for public safety
The entire point of DFR is to see things. What’s the use of flying a drone if the suspect vehicle you’re searching for is just off-screen?
Drone as First Responder programs and real time crime centers enable cost-effective, centralized policing, delivering life-saving results and redefining traditional concepts of police work
A recent Flock Safety webinar outlined the benefits of drone as first responder programs: “DFR helps agencies optimize their resources and respond to calls more effectively.”
At IACP 2024, an expert panel shared their best practices for integrating multiple technologies, such as DFR, into a real time crime center
The next generation of DFR programs will reduce costs and expand operational periods by allowing public safety agencies to utilize the least number of human resources
DFR provides considerable promise for increased safety, reduced response times and improved de-escalation capabilities for public safety agencies
At scale, drones as first responder programs will be one of the most positive and impactful technology-driven changes to the safety of our cities ever
What you may be overlooking when considering a Drone as First Responder program
Stay informed on FAA drone waivers and regulations transforming public safety operations, including DFR advancements and the latest BVLOS innovations
PUBLIC SAFETY DRONE DEPLOYMENT
Pasco County’s use has grown dramatically as personnel find new missions and benefits
The potential banning of DJI drones may create a unique opportunity for American manufacturers to dominate the U.S. market
Drones are an escalating threat to stadiums, concerts and public gatherings — but law enforcement faces legal roadblocks. Here’s how multi-layered drone detection technology helps track, identify and stop bad actors
Police drone use is increasing, making it essential for agencies to adopt a sound law enforcement drone policy governing their use
From search-and-rescue operations to traffic monitoring, here are 11 innovative uses of drones in modern policing.
An exercise involving the Atlantic City FD and PD, U.S. Coast Guard and the N.J. State Police Marine Services Bureau demonstrates how drones can enhance public safety
Drones can provide invaluable intelligence and tactical assistance to SWAT teams before they enter structures
Small agencies can always benefit from an extra set of eyes – especially when they are in the sky
Let’s examine an emerging need for drones to support detectives in the field and some potential solutions
Amelia Frasure shares her experience as the UAS program manager of the Greenville Police Department’s drone program and her passion for training the next generation of drone operators
COMPLETE COVERAGE
Autonomous drones can be placed in communities before a storm and then deployed remotely to start collecting images of damage and deliver emergency supplies
Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder also said that his team has “[some] of the best, world-renowned snipers” prepared to shoot down drones if necessary
Officials in Seaside Heights and Ocean County allege the federal government has not investigated and released information to the public in a timely manner
Shoreline PD and King County deputies responded to a call of a suspect claiming to be armed inside a gas station, deploying a drone to de-escalate the situation
After resisting arrest and fleeing from the Brookhaven officer, the man fled into the ceiling; he later climbed down and was taken into custody after being found by the drone
Gov. Phil Murphy and law enforcement officials have stressed that the drones don’t appear to threaten public safety
“Planning on coming to Elk Grove to steal? Better think twice, we might be inside, outside, and above the store you are about to do it at,” the department posted
“We are actively monitoring the situation and in close coordination with our federal and law enforcement partners on this matter,” Gov. Phil Murphy said in a message on X
The FBI has begun investigating the drone sightings over Morris and Somerset counties
The Dayton City Commission is expected to consider spending $96,700 to buy multiple Fotokite Sigma “tethered drones” that launch, fly and land with a push of a button
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ABOUT THE SPONSOR: FLOCK SAFETY
Empower your agency to solve crime faster with Flock Safety’s city-wide safety platform. Our full-service, maintenance-free solution brings the power of technology at scale to solve more crime and shape a safer future for thousands of communities across the country. Flock Safety offers best-in-class license plate recognition (LPR) cameras, audio detection, RTCC software and more.
The acquisition accelerates Flock Safety’s plan to introduce a line of American-made, National Defense Authorization Act-compliant drones
A recent Flock Safety webinar outlined the benefits of drone as first responder programs: “DFR helps agencies optimize their resources and respond to calls more effectively.”