By Fritz Reber and Lt. Nate Lange
The tale of Drone as First Responder (DFR) is practically lore by now. Since its debut in Chula Vista, California, in 2018, the program has spread to agencies in Redondo Beach, Brookhaven, Santa Monica, Dunwoody, Beverly Hills, Scottsdale, Montgomery County, Alhambra, New York City, Oklahoma City, Las Vegas and many more. Its story has been dissected in countless podcasts, webinars and white papers. We’ve heard how DFR slashes response times, maximizes limited resources, and — most importantly — saves lives. It’s inspired scores of departments around the world to take flight.
But the narrative is evolving. The dream of scalable, next-level DFR has been buzzing in innovators’ minds since the beginning. DFR 1.0 — with rooftop crews manually swapping batteries and monitoring airspace — was a strong start, but also labor-intensive and clunky. Enter DFR 2.0: a vision where automation takes the reins, humans step off the rooftops, and drones become seamless extensions of law enforcement.
Are we there yet? Buckle up — because the Elk Grove Police Department in California just answered with a resounding yes. They’ve become the first agency to achieve citywide, 400-foot AGL DFR 2.0 status. This isn’t just a milestone — it’s the holy grail of DFR.
We are excited to share a significant milestone in the evolution of our Drone as a First Responder (DFR) Program. Last week, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved our request for a Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) waiver, enabling us to conduct drone operations… pic.twitter.com/27pdzYp8A1
— EGPD (@ElkGrovePD) January 28, 2025
Elk Grove: The new must-see flagship for DFR
With three launch sites, FAA clearance to fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) up to 400 feet AGL citywide, and a fully automated system, Elk Grove, California, is redefining what a mature DFR program looks like. In partnership with Flock Safety and powered by the Aerodome DFR 2.0 suite, Elk Grove has built a model that demonstrates how DFR can enhance public safety and operational efficiency.
Their drone journey began in 2019. Today, the department has more than 30 FAA Part 107-certified pilots conducting daily operations — both in the field and from within the Real-Time Information Center (RTIC), led by Andrea Cortez. Since May 2024, the DFR team has logged more than 1,000 missions, averaging 10 to 15 flights per day. On high-demand nights like the Fourth of July, DFR operations scale up to identify illegal fireworks activity from above — an approach that deserves a headline of its own.
This program isn’t just about advanced hardware. It’s also about rethinking how public safety agencies can scale drone operations. Elk Grove has trained a mix of sworn and non-sworn personnel to serve as remote pilots — eliminating the need for rooftop watchers and manual oversight. Battery-swapping docks handle the logistics, while a layered Air Traffic Awareness and Detect and Avoid (DAA) system — including ADS-B alerts, radar, RF detection and Remote ID — keeps the airspace secure.
What once seemed like a distant goal is now fully operational — and it’s offering a clear, practical model for other agencies exploring next-generation drone response.
RTIC: The nerve center of next-gen policing
Elk Grove’s Real-Time Information Center (RTIC) isn’t just a control room — it’s a model of operational efficiency. Remote pilot workstations run alongside a blend of sworn and civilian staff, demonstrating that in this space, rank takes a back seat to skill. Civilians are flying high-stakes missions with precision and professionalism.
The RTIC is tightly integrated with CAD, gunshot detection and streaming 911 systems, allowing drone pilots to stay focused on flight operations while support staff manage radio communications and real-time updates.
Success stories are stacking up. In one case, a suspect fled from an ATV, abandoned it in a field, and tried to hide in culvert pipes. A drone equipped with thermal imaging quickly located him, guiding officers and a K9 unit to a safe and swift arrest.
It’s well documented that DFR reduces officer risk and improves decision-making through real-time aerial intelligence. But DFR 1.0 came with a high cost, often requiring rooftop crews and hands-on oversight. Now, DFR 2.0 is proving it can scale — cutting costs, expanding flight windows and removing logistical barriers that once slowed progress.
The price tag and the payoff
Elk Grove’s DFR program is funded through a 1% local tax measure approved by voters in 2022 — a clear sign of community support. While program costs vary, the return on investment is undeniable. By clearing low-priority calls remotely, the department frees up officers for high-priority incidents. Capturing fleeing suspects from the air enhances safety for both officers and the public. In short, DFR 2.0 acts as a force multiplier — addressing staffing challenges while significantly improving situational awareness.
A major milestone: Elk Grove’s 90-page Concept of Operations became the first in the nation to secure FAA approval for citywide DFR operations at 400 feet AGL. That altitude has proven essential for unlocking full operational capabilities, especially in large, urban environments. Their radar-based Detect and Avoid (DAA) system outperforms ADS-B-only configurations, which can miss low-flying, uncooperative manned aircraft — a serious concern. It’s a leap forward from DFR 1.0’s labor-intensive origins.
DFR 2.0 in action: Batteries, docks and beyond
DFR 2.0 runs on precision, speed and safety — and Elk Grove delivers on all fronts. Battery-swapping docks easily outperform contact charging setups: Elk Grove covers the entire city with just three docks, compared to the 18 needed by charging-based systems. Rapid-deploy stations, combined with Aerodome software that unlocks drone speeds over 50 MPH, keep operations running 24/7. Multi-drone control enables seamless coverage across 42 square miles.
Daily wins keep stacking up: false alarms resolved without dispatching officers, suspects located and apprehended, stolen vehicles spotted from above. Looking ahead, Elk Grove is exploring VTOL aircraft, extended flight times and enhanced camera systems to push the program even further. With a strong, forward-thinking team at the helm, they’re not just innovating — they’re rewriting the playbook.
The takeaway
Elk Grove PD isn’t just flying drones — they’re launching the next chapter of policing. DFR 2.0 isn’t a luxury — it’s a lifeline, delivering measurable gains in efficiency, safety, and response. For agencies still on the fence, the message is simple: visit Elk Grove, see what’s possible, and take the leap. The sky isn’t the limit anymore — it’s just the beginning.
About the authors
Fritz Reber is the Director of DFR Consulting at Flock Safety. He is a retired Police Captain from the Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD), and was the UAS Commander who conceived of and worked to stand up the first ever DFR program.
Nate Lange is a Lieutenant with the Elk Grove Police Department, where he manages and oversees Special Operations, SWAT, the UAS Team and DFR program.
