https://www.police1.com/drones Drones en-US Sat, 17 Jan 2026 00:26:45 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/the-dfr-decisions-every-chief-faces-before-the-first-drone-ever-flies Download a practical leadership framework for evaluating, planning and scaling Drone as First Responder programs Sat, 17 Jan 2026 00:26:45 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/the-dfr-decisions-every-chief-faces-before-the-first-drone-ever-flies https://www.police1.com/drones/case-study-how-prosper-pd-built-a-dfr-program-to-keep-pace-with-a-fast-growing-texas-town Prosper Police Department's CAD-integrated DFR program shows how early aerial perspective — paired with patrol drones and grant-supported partnerships — can help growing agencies adjust response in real time Wed, 31 Dec 2025 19:29:07 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/case-study-how-prosper-pd-built-a-dfr-program-to-keep-pace-with-a-fast-growing-texas-town https://www.police1.com/drones/case-study-how-dunwoody-police-use-drones-to-speed-response-and-improve-officer-safety By cutting response times and boosting situational awareness, the agency is making patrol safer and more efficient Mon, 25 Aug 2025 21:08:43 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/case-study-how-dunwoody-police-use-drones-to-speed-response-and-improve-officer-safety https://www.police1.com/drones/case-study-how-elk-grove-pd-is-pushing-the-boundaries-of-dfr-and-real-time-information-center-integration By integrating DFR operations into its real time information center, Elk Grove PD is enhancing situational awareness, community trust and officer safety Mon, 04 Aug 2025 15:30:44 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/case-study-how-elk-grove-pd-is-pushing-the-boundaries-of-dfr-and-real-time-information-center-integration https://www.police1.com/drones/case-study-inside-scottsdale-pds-purpose-built-dfr-program Discover how Scottsdale Police Department designed a purpose-built Drone as First Responder (DFR) program focused on call-for-service response, FAA compliance and community transparency Wed, 11 Jun 2025 15:21:04 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/case-study-inside-scottsdale-pds-purpose-built-dfr-program https://www.police1.com/drones/dfr-in-action-fort-wayne-police-department-air-support-unit See how Fort Wayne PD's Air Support Unit deploys drones as first responders, cutting response times and boosting officer safety and situational awareness. Tue, 10 Jun 2025 22:42:17 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/dfr-in-action-fort-wayne-police-department-air-support-unit https://www.police1.com/drones/a-dual-approach-to-drones-response-and-risk-management-at-irving-pd Irving PD’s drones beat officers to the scene in over half of calls — and as civilian drone use grows, the agency is investing in tools to detect and manage airspace threats Wed, 09 Apr 2025 15:22:02 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/a-dual-approach-to-drones-response-and-risk-management-at-irving-pd https://www.police1.com/drones/dfr-in-action-inside-brookhaven-pds-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 Fri, 04 Apr 2025 15:41:22 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/dfr-in-action-inside-brookhaven-pds-drone-as-first-responder-program https://www.police1.com/drones/dfr-in-action-inside-montgomery-county-pds-drone-as-first-responder-program 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 Tue, 25 Feb 2025 21:28:33 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/dfr-in-action-inside-montgomery-county-pds-drone-as-first-responder-program https://www.police1.com/drones/dfr-in-action-inside-chula-vista-pds-drone-as-first-responder-program Since launching in 2018, Chula Vista PD’s drone program has responded to over 20,000 calls for service Fri, 14 Feb 2025 15:22:28 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/dfr-in-action-inside-chula-vista-pds-drone-as-first-responder-program https://www.police1.com/police-products/Police-Drones/fremonts-drone-as-first-responder-program-a-police-and-fire-partnership-transforming-public-safety-response Explore how this joint effort in Northern California is reshaping emergency response with faster, smarter, drone-driven solutions Wed, 11 Sep 2024 15:52:39 GMT https://www.police1.com/police-products/Police-Drones/fremonts-drone-as-first-responder-program-a-police-and-fire-partnership-transforming-public-safety-response https://www.police1.com/tech-pulse/nypd-to-start-drone-as-first-responder-program-allowing-uavs-to-respond-to-scenes-of-shootings Patrol officers will be able to watch live video feeds from drones dispatched to crime scenes by a gunshot detection system Mon, 20 May 2024 14:19:51 GMT https://www.police1.com/tech-pulse/nypd-to-start-drone-as-first-responder-program-allowing-uavs-to-respond-to-scenes-of-shootings https://www.police1.com/tech-pulse/las-vegas-police-to-expand-use-of-drones-with-drone-as-first-responder-program With the DFR program, LVMPD is taking the next step to make them one of the most technologically advanced police agencies in the country Fri, 19 Apr 2024 19:28:12 GMT https://www.police1.com/tech-pulse/las-vegas-police-to-expand-use-of-drones-with-drone-as-first-responder-program https://www.police1.com/police-products/Police-Drones/calif-pd-launches-drone-as-a-first-responder-program “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 Tue, 16 Jul 2024 14:42:02 GMT https://www.police1.com/police-products/Police-Drones/calif-pd-launches-drone-as-a-first-responder-program https://www.police1.com/real-time-crime-center/drones-data-and-live-911-inside-the-modern-real-time-information-center In an evolving field where seconds matter, RTIC experts from two California agencies explain how they turn high-tech information into real-time action to stop crime and save lives Mon, 29 Dec 2025 16:04:43 GMT https://www.police1.com/real-time-crime-center/drones-data-and-live-911-inside-the-modern-real-time-information-center https://www.police1.com/drones/staffing-your-drone-as-first-responder-dfr-program-for-faster-more-effective-response Speed is the defining advantage of DFR programs, and agencies that invest in dedicated pilots see the biggest returns in safety and efficiency Thu, 04 Dec 2025 02:38:10 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/staffing-your-drone-as-first-responder-dfr-program-for-faster-more-effective-response https://www.police1.com/drones/what-does-a-drone-as-first-responder-program-really-cost From pilot staffing to community transparency, a successful DFR program demands strategic planning and smart investment — here’s what every agency needs to consider Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:21:56 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/what-does-a-drone-as-first-responder-program-really-cost https://www.police1.com/drones/trust-first-how-transparency-powers-drone-programs Transparency builds the public support decision-makers need to confidently fund your Drone as First Responder program Mon, 03 Nov 2025 23:17:05 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/trust-first-how-transparency-powers-drone-programs https://www.police1.com/drones/from-early-lessons-to-ai-integration-the-evolution-of-drones-as-first-responders Rahul Sidhu shares what agencies must know about building sustainable DFR programs — and why connectivity and AI will drive the next phase Wed, 27 Aug 2025 14:34:12 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/from-early-lessons-to-ai-integration-the-evolution-of-drones-as-first-responders https://www.police1.com/drones/the-dawn-of-dfr-2-0-elk-grove-pd-flies-into-the-future From rooftop crews to citywide automation, Elk Grove has built the blueprint for scalable, 24/7 drone response — and it's changing the game for public safety Wed, 16 Apr 2025 16:21:00 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/the-dawn-of-dfr-2-0-elk-grove-pd-flies-into-the-future https://www.police1.com/drones/why-drone-as-first-responder-programs-shouldnt-settle-for-less-than-400-feet 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? Sun, 02 Feb 2025 00:24:07 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/why-drone-as-first-responder-programs-shouldnt-settle-for-less-than-400-feet https://www.police1.com/drones/the-need-for-speed-how-real-time-policing-tools-are-transforming-emergency-response 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 Wed, 15 Jan 2025 17:56:15 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/the-need-for-speed-how-real-time-policing-tools-are-transforming-emergency-response https://www.police1.com/tech-pulse/flying-into-the-future-what-police-leaders-need-to-know-about-dfr-operations 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.” Mon, 18 Nov 2024 20:45:23 GMT https://www.police1.com/tech-pulse/flying-into-the-future-what-police-leaders-need-to-know-about-dfr-operations https://www.police1.com/iacp/how-to-integrate-real-time-crime-centers-and-dfr-program At IACP 2024, an expert panel shared their best practices for integrating multiple technologies, such as DFR, into a real time crime center Wed, 23 Oct 2024 14:01:37 GMT https://www.police1.com/iacp/how-to-integrate-real-time-crime-centers-and-dfr-program https://www.police1.com/drones/dfr-1-0-vs-dfr-2-0-the-evolution-of-drone-as-first-responder 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 Wed, 11 Sep 2024 14:41:15 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/dfr-1-0-vs-dfr-2-0-the-evolution-of-drone-as-first-responder https://www.police1.com/police-products/Police-Drones/the-5-as-of-dfr-breaking-down-the-dna-of-a-drone-as-first-responder-program DFR provides considerable promise for increased safety, reduced response times and improved de-escalation capabilities for public safety agencies Fri, 24 May 2024 22:48:29 GMT https://www.police1.com/police-products/Police-Drones/the-5-as-of-dfr-breaking-down-the-dna-of-a-drone-as-first-responder-program https://www.police1.com/police-products/Police-Drones/a-letter-to-the-american-public-autonomous-drones-as-first-responders-will-make-americans-safer 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 Mon, 24 Jun 2024 21:31:23 GMT https://www.police1.com/police-products/Police-Drones/a-letter-to-the-american-public-autonomous-drones-as-first-responders-will-make-americans-safer https://www.police1.com/police-products/police-drones/articles/dfr-and-the-911-gap-3TIxGrwiuOpWJ71a/ What you may be overlooking when considering a Drone as First Responder program Wed, 30 Aug 2023 21:01:44 GMT https://www.police1.com/police-products/police-drones/articles/dfr-and-the-911-gap-3TIxGrwiuOpWJ71a/ https://www.police1.com/drones/webinar-what-every-agency-needs-to-know-as-their-dfr-program-evolves Expert strategies for optimizing your Drone as First Responder program as it scales, from staffing and policy to technology integration and community engagement Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:38:09 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/webinar-what-every-agency-needs-to-know-as-their-dfr-program-evolves https://www.police1.com/drones/how-to-fund-drone-as-first-responder-programs-ebook Learn how to secure the funding you need to launch and sustain a DFR program that enhances officer safety, speeds response and improves community outcomes Thu, 03 Jul 2025 19:47:58 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/how-to-fund-drone-as-first-responder-programs-ebook https://www.police1.com/drones/navigating-the-latest-faa-drone-regulation-updates-for-public-safety Stay informed on FAA drone waivers and regulations transforming public safety operations, including DFR advancements and the latest BVLOS innovations Fri, 04 Apr 2025 19:59:00 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/navigating-the-latest-faa-drone-regulation-updates-for-public-safety https://www.police1.com/police-grant-center/enhancing-law-enforcement-with-grant-funding-for-drone-technology Once a hobbyist’s toy, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) — commonly known as drones — have become a valuable tool for law enforcement agencies across the nation Tue, 15 Oct 2024 14:41:56 GMT https://www.police1.com/police-grant-center/enhancing-law-enforcement-with-grant-funding-for-drone-technology https://www.police1.com/drones/webinar-advancing-dfr-how-to-launch-scale-and-optimize-a-drone-as-first-responder-program Starting or expanding a DFR program? Get expert insights, real-world case studies and best practices to boost your agency’s efficiency in this must-watch webinar Wed, 19 Mar 2025 13:46:14 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/webinar-advancing-dfr-how-to-launch-scale-and-optimize-a-drone-as-first-responder-program https://www.police1.com/drones/from-headset-to-high-ground-how-drones-are-transforming-911-dispatch Drone as First Responder programs are giving dispatchers real-time eyes on incidents — and changing how they work with officers in the field Thu, 14 Aug 2025 14:38:46 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/from-headset-to-high-ground-how-drones-are-transforming-911-dispatch https://www.police1.com/drones/why-every-public-safety-drone-needs-an-anti-collision-light Learn why anti-collision lights are essential for public safety drone operations. Improve airspace safety, meet FAA expectations and reduce risk of midair collisions with manned aircraft. Sat, 23 Aug 2025 22:02:08 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/why-every-public-safety-drone-needs-an-anti-collision-light https://www.police1.com/drones/the-rise-of-assistant-patrol-drones-in-law-enforcement AI-powered drones could ease officer workloads, boost efficiency and enhance community safety Sat, 23 Aug 2025 22:48:16 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/the-rise-of-assistant-patrol-drones-in-law-enforcement https://www.police1.com/drones/big-wins-propel-big-growth-in-florida-agencys-drone-program Pasco County’s use has grown dramatically as personnel find new missions and benefits Thu, 13 Mar 2025 19:26:21 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/big-wins-propel-big-growth-in-florida-agencys-drone-program https://www.police1.com/police-products/Police-Drones/the-rise-of-american-drone-manufacturing-in-public-safety The potential banning of DJI drones may create a unique opportunity for American manufacturers to dominate the U.S. market Thu, 13 Feb 2025 14:56:10 GMT https://www.police1.com/police-products/Police-Drones/the-rise-of-american-drone-manufacturing-in-public-safety https://www.police1.com/drones/how-law-enforcement-can-detect-and-apprehend-criminal-drone-pilots-at-large-events 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 Fri, 28 Feb 2025 18:37:56 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/how-law-enforcement-can-detect-and-apprehend-criminal-drone-pilots-at-large-events https://www.police1.com/drones/key-considerations-for-a-law-enforcement-drone-policy Police drone use is increasing, making it essential for agencies to adopt a sound law enforcement drone policy governing their use Mon, 11 Mar 2024 16:09:18 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/key-considerations-for-a-law-enforcement-drone-policy https://www.police1.com/drones/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-drone-program-manager 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 Wed, 09 Oct 2024 18:55:55 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-drone-program-manager https://www.police1.com/officer-shootings/video-man-opens-fire-at-phoenix-police-helicopter-before-ois Drone footage shows the man raising a handgun and firing multiple shots at a responding Phoenix PD helicopter before officers returned fire on the ground Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:32:30 GMT https://www.police1.com/officer-shootings/video-man-opens-fire-at-phoenix-police-helicopter-before-ois https://www.police1.com/drones/mich-sheriffs-office-dfr-pilot-leads-to-arrest-on-day-of-program-launch The DFR program was being demonstrated when deputies lost contact with a speeding e-bike in the same area and put a drone into action to help bring the suspect into custody Fri, 03 Apr 2026 21:13:16 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/mich-sheriffs-office-dfr-pilot-leads-to-arrest-on-day-of-program-launch https://www.police1.com/officer-shootings/video-man-says-nev-officers-will-have-to-kill-him-before-ramming-cruisers-pointing-gun-at-cops The man called 911 on himself, stating he was going to "kill everybody" in a gym; when officers arrived, he rammed vehicles while pointing a gun at Sparks Police officers Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:49:58 GMT https://www.police1.com/officer-shootings/video-man-says-nev-officers-will-have-to-kill-him-before-ramming-cruisers-pointing-gun-at-cops https://www.police1.com/drones/brinc-unveils-starlink-connected-guardian-drone-with-62-minute-flight-time Autonomous battery swapping, upgraded sensors and an 8-mile response range expand drone capabilities for 911 response Tue, 24 Mar 2026 21:25:22 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/brinc-unveils-starlink-connected-guardian-drone-with-62-minute-flight-time https://www.police1.com/drones/chicken-sandwiches-cigarettes-and-tools-ga-jail-using-drones-to-stop-contraband Fulton County Jail leaders say the new system allows deputies to deploy drones within seconds to intercept unauthorized flights and respond to emergencies Tue, 24 Mar 2026 19:27:24 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/chicken-sandwiches-cigarettes-and-tools-ga-jail-using-drones-to-stop-contraband https://www.police1.com/drones/leading-beyond-the-dji-drone-debate As federal scrutiny of Chinese-made drones grows, police and fire leaders must focus on risk-based governance to protect drone programs and maintain life-saving capability Thu, 19 Mar 2026 23:52:08 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/leading-beyond-the-dji-drone-debate https://www.police1.com/terrorism/fbi-warns-calif-police-of-possible-iranian-drone-threats-to-west-coast Authorities say law enforcement agencies are reviewing preparedness plans as tensions with Iran escalate Wed, 11 Mar 2026 23:00:33 GMT https://www.police1.com/terrorism/fbi-warns-calif-police-of-possible-iranian-drone-threats-to-west-coast https://www.police1.com/search-and-rescue/video-n-y-leos-use-helicopter-drone-to-rescue-two-men-dog The two men had entered an icy marsh to locate a dog but were unable to get out; Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office deputies rescued them with air support Sun, 08 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://www.police1.com/search-and-rescue/video-n-y-leos-use-helicopter-drone-to-rescue-two-men-dog https://www.police1.com/drones/video-would-be-art-thief-caught-after-ariz-pd-drone-spots-him-hiding-on-roof Scottsdale PD officers responded after an American Fine Art Gallery employee reported hearing someone inside; after launching a drone, officers found the man lying on the roof Tue, 25 Mar 2025 15:50:49 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/video-would-be-art-thief-caught-after-ariz-pd-drone-spots-him-hiding-on-roof https://www.police1.com/drones/saved-us-hours-in-overtime-pa-pd-launches-dfr-program The program allows Hazleton Police Department officers to hear 911 call audio and see drone video of an incident scene as they are en route to respond Tue, 09 Dec 2025 22:27:22 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/saved-us-hours-in-overtime-pa-pd-launches-dfr-program https://www.police1.com/drones/video-n-m-deputies-disarm-children-ages-7-and-9-after-standoff-with-loaded-gun Drone video shows Bernalillo County deputies confronting the armed children after at least 50 previous calls to the same home, the sheriff said Mon, 12 May 2025 17:50:06 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/video-n-m-deputies-disarm-children-ages-7-and-9-after-standoff-with-loaded-gun https://www.police1.com/drones/ala-pd-to-invest-1-5m-in-16-new-drones Birmingham Council approves $1.5M for 16 DJI drones and gear, giving police faster "eyes in the sky" for crime response and officer safety Thu, 15 May 2025 16:01:36 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/ala-pd-to-invest-1-5m-in-16-new-drones https://www.police1.com/drones/okla-pds-drone-program-credited-in-rescue-of-man-struck-by-train Oklahoma City PD's Drone as First Responder program provided precise coordinates and critical visibility, enabling fire and police units to reach the victim in time Mon, 21 Apr 2025 14:59:27 GMT https://www.police1.com/drones/okla-pds-drone-program-credited-in-rescue-of-man-struck-by-train https://www.police1.com/tech-pulse/flock-safety-acquires-aerodome-to-expand-into-drone-based-law-enforcement-solutions The acquisition accelerates Flock Safety’s plan to introduce a line of American-made, National Defense Authorization Act-compliant drones Wed, 16 Oct 2024 15:54:27 GMT https://www.police1.com/tech-pulse/flock-safety-acquires-aerodome-to-expand-into-drone-based-law-enforcement-solutions https://www.police1.com/tech-pulse/flying-into-the-future-what-police-leaders-need-to-know-about-dfr-operations 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.” Mon, 18 Nov 2024 20:45:23 GMT https://www.police1.com/tech-pulse/flying-into-the-future-what-police-leaders-need-to-know-about-dfr-operations