Trending Topics

DFR in action: Inside Brookhaven PD’s Drone as First Responder program

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

Brookhaven DFR IMG_0725.jpg

Photo/Brookhaven Police Department

The Brookhaven Police Department, located in Brookhaven, Georgia, launched its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program in December 2020 to fill a critical aviation support gap. As a mid-sized agency operating just outside Atlanta, Brookhaven PD saw the potential for drone technology to serve as a force multiplier — providing real-time situational awareness to officers on the ground and enhancing public safety operations.

Why Brookhaven PD launched a DFR program

Before launching the DFR program, Brookhaven PD had to rely on mutual aid for aerial support — assistance that was rarely available in time to be operationally effective. In 2019, the department began researching the feasibility of implementing its own aviation program, initially envisioning a traditional “drone-in-the-trunk” model.

However, after learning about the FAA’s Integration Pilot Program (IPP) and the success of Chula Vista PD’s DFR program, Brookhaven PD shifted its focus. As an urban agency neighboring a major city, the department recognized the value of deploying drones rapidly to evolving incidents, providing instant eyes in the sky.

Focus of the Brookhaven PD DFR program

Brookhaven PD dispatches drones to incidents where live aerial footage can support informed decision-making, reduce officer risk and improve outcomes. The program focuses on providing situational awareness to responding units, supporting a wide range of call types — from in-progress crimes and foot pursuits to traffic incidents and search operations.

Brookhaven PD DFR success stories

The call: Officers received a report of suspected narcotics sales at a local car wash.

DFR response: A drone, already airborne and supporting another call, was redirected to the scene. It located the suspect’s vehicle and recorded two hand-to-hand transactions. Officers watching the livestream conducted simultaneous stops of the buyers, while others apprehended the dealer.

Drone footage:

The call: Officers responded to a local Target where loss prevention had a shoplifter detained. As the officers were walking in the store the perpetrator fled, unbeknownst to store staff. Patrol officers gave chase but lost visual in a dense urban shopping area with a lot of pedestrian and vehicle traffic.

DFR response: The drone operator quickly located the suspect on foot and guided ground units to his exact location. Realizing he was surrounded, the suspect was already prone on the ground when officers arrived.

Drone footage:

Additional incidents

Brookhaven PD’s YouTube channel features several more DFR-supported incidents:

Brookhaven PD’s DFR technology

Brookhaven PD operates its DFR program using the following technology stack:

  • DFR platform: CAPE by Motorola
  • DFR aircraft: DJI M30T & M300.
  • Parachute system: Aerial Vehicle Safety Solutions (AVSS) Parachute Recovery System
  • Payload drop: N/A
  • Human visual observer required: Presently yes. We are progressing toward no human VO this year.
  • Two full-time pilots; 11 total currently assigned to UAS team.
  • Pilot training Company: Skyfire Consulting, Pilot Institute and in-house trainers
PUBLIC SAFETY DRONES AND DFR PROGRAMS
Stay informed on FAA drone waivers and regulations transforming public safety operations, including DFR advancements and the latest BVLOS innovations
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
“From catching bad guys to providing real-time situational awareness, drones are making a real impact in Central Florida.”
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
This pocket-sized reconnaissance drone is designed for real-time surveillance in high-risk operations, even in extreme weather conditions
Since launching in 2018, Chula Vista PD’s drone program has responded to over 20,000 calls for service

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.