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.
DRONES IN ACTION
There is a paradigm shift occurring in law enforcement as drones become a critical element in almost every aspect of emergency operations
Explore how this joint effort in Northern California is reshaping emergency response with faster, smarter, drone-driven solutions
DFR CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE
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
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
DFR provides considerable promise for increased safety, reduced response times and improved de-escalation capabilities for public safety agencies
What you may be overlooking when considering a Drone as First Responder program
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
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
IN THE NEWS
- Mystery drones block medical helicopter from landing near crash scene at N.J. college
- Video: After 12-hour standoff, man uses pickup truck to ram cruisers before fatal OIS
- Hunter lost in cold, rainy woods for 20 hours found in bay, N.C. cops say
- Las Vegas Metro PD is on a mission to build the safest city in America
- NYPD flying additional drones over trains to combat subway surfing after 2 teen deaths in a week
MOST POPULAR
- Birds attack NYPD drones patrolling for sharks off NYC beaches
- Video: Man continuously fires at Wash. police vehicles, officers during SWAT standoff
- A day in the life of a drone program manager
- Texas PD’s program aims to save lives by sending drones into dangerous situations
- Ohio PD considering ‘tethered drones’ that don’t require operators
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.”