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
The Burlington Police Department’s drone can arrive at emergency scenes within three minutes, offering a safer and more informed response for officers
Once a hobbyist’s toy, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) — commonly known as drones — have become a valuable tool for law enforcement agencies across the nation
The man could be seen on drone footage walking around his home with a rifle; he continued firing shots during multiple negotiation attempts before he was fatally shot
GSX 2024 showcased cutting-edge tech, industry trends and career opportunities, revealing the critical overlap between law enforcement and private security sectors
Get an inside look at some of the vendors from the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association Conference
In his veto message, Gov. Gavin Newsom supported restrictions on drones but cited the need to maintain law enforcement’s ability to use robots in dangerous situations
“We’re right here, buddy...You’re safe now,” Fond du Lac deputies can be heard saying on body camera video
A drone equipped with a large speaker and boom microphone was created for first responders as a tool for safer two-way communication with large crowds
Dozens of temporary cameras will help officers monitor the parade route, as well as 12 drones flying over the area
The drones, part of the NYPD’s Drones as First Responders program, will scan areas for suspects based on descriptions, offering leads to officers on the ground
MOST POPULAR
- Oakland PD to launch drone program with grant, private donations
- Flock Safety acquires Aerodome to expand into drone-based law enforcement solutions
- Calif. PD to deploy 911-response drones under new $2.17M contract
- N.H. police department to receive drones thanks to federal grant
- N.J. PD demonstrates new drone’s public safety capabilities
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.”