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A decade ago, public safety agencies interested in drones were largely figuring things out on their own. The technology was limited, policies were still being developed and few departments had experience to draw from. Today, thousands of public safety agencies operate drone programs and Drone as First Responder deployments are growing at an unprecedented pace. As agencies move beyond tactical drone operations toward proactive, 911-driven response models, early adopters have identified critical lessons on community trust, officer safety, staffing efficiency and program implementation.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, guest host Rob Lawrence sits down with Charles Werner, founder of DRONERESPONDERS and one of the leading voices in public safety drone operations, to discuss how DFR programs are transforming policing and emergency response. Drawing on decades of public safety experience, Werner shares what agencies need to know about building community trust, improving officer safety and preparing for the next generation of public safety aviation.
Tune in to discover
- Why Werner says the biggest DFR mistake happens before the drone ever launches
- How one drone response turned a possible gun call into a de-escalation success
- Why some agencies are able to return officers to service before they ever arrive on scene
- What police leaders must explain to the public to avoid the “random surveillance” concern
- How DFR is changing the way agencies handle pursuits, violent crimes, smash-and-grabs and large events
- Why Werner believes public safety response is only at the beginning of what drones will be able to do
About our guest
Chief Charles Werner is a 47-year veteran of public safety. He served 37 years with the Charlottesville (Virginia) Fire Department, retiring as fire chief. During his career, he served two years as a reserve deputy with the Albemarle County Sheriff’s Office. Charles presently serves as director of DRONERESPONDERS Public Safety Alliance, is a member of the International Public Safety Association’s UAS Committee, is chair of the Virginia Secure Commonwealth UAS Sub Panel, is an FAA-certified remote pilot, and is a member of the IACP Aviation Committee and APSA. Charles was recognized as Homeland Security Today Magazine’s Person of the Year in 2019 for his work on public safety drone programs.
Learn more about DFR programs
- The DFR decisions every chief faces before the first drone ever flies
- On demand: What every agency needs to know as their DFR program evolves
- Staffing your Drone as First Responder (DFR) program for faster, more effective response
- From headset to high ground: How drones are transforming 911 dispatch
- The need for speed: How real time policing tools are transforming emergency response
About our sponsor
Flock works with more than 5,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide, delivering real-time intelligence through a holistic ecosystem of technology designed to keep officers safe, reduce crime, and build stronger communities. And if you’re looking for real stories from the front lines — how your peers are using these tools to shape the future of safety in their cities — tune in to Flock’s “Real Time Policing” podcast. Watch episodes on YouTube or tune in wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to view.
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