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 CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE
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
DFR PROGRAMS IN ACTION
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
Stay informed on FAA drone waivers and regulations transforming public safety operations, including DFR advancements and the latest BVLOS innovations
IN THE NEWS
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
The potential banning of DJI drones may create a unique opportunity for American manufacturers to dominate the U.S. market
Autonomous drones can be placed in communities before a storm and then deployed remotely to start collecting images of damage and deliver emergency supplies
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
PUBLIC SAFETY DRONE DEPLOYMENT
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
COMPLETE COVERAGE
A fleet of Tesla Cybertrucks, drone-assisted policing and a wellness bureau for officers will support LVMPD’s efforts to improve safety and efficiency, the department said
“From catching bad guys to providing real-time situational awareness, drones are making a real impact in Central Florida.”
“The earlier you get there with these drones, the more information you are getting ahead of time,” said Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jeremy Sanchez
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office now operates five drones, using them for searches, surveillance and emergency response
Lt. Shane Chadwick stated the drones will be deployed for various tasks, including monitoring minor disturbances, aiding active crime scenes and providing visual support for firefighters
This pocket-sized reconnaissance drone is designed for real-time surveillance in high-risk operations, even in extreme weather conditions
A more objective surveillance-based approach will produce better results
The drone struck a Super Scooper battling the Palisades Fire, leaving a hole in its wing and forcing it out of service amid the deadly wildfire
MOST POPULAR
- Birds attack NYPD drones patrolling for sharks off NYC beaches
- Video: Man who told dispatchers he would ‘shoot somebody’ approaches LEOs with screwdriver before OIS
- Video: Man continuously fires at Wash. police vehicles, officers during SWAT standoff
- Drone as first responder program poised to boost N.Y. police department’s capabilities
- NYPD flying additional drones over trains to combat subway surfing after 2 teen deaths in a week
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.”