S.M.A.R.T. Center
(Santa Maria Aerial & Real Time)
Drone as a First Responder (DFR)
Drone as a First Responder (DFR)
• Deploys drones to calls for service to provide real-time awareness before first responders arrive on scene
• Uses docking stations on police/fire stations or vehicle-mounted systems for rapid deployment in strategically placed locations for faster response times
• Reduces risk to first responders by eliminating need for immediate physical entry into dangerous areas
• Reduces confrontation risks by providing vital situational data to officers before arrival for enhanced call coordination
• Cost-effective alternative: reduces overall response costs while improving efficiency
DFR + RTCC/RTIC: Connected System
• DFR (Drone as First Responder) is one critical tool within a Real- Time Crime/Information Center (RTCC/RTIC)
• What Each Does
• RTCC/RTIC = The "brain" which collects and analyzes data from all sources (cameras, license plate readers, 911 calls, databases) • DFR = The "eyes in the sky" which is deployed from the RTCC to provide live aerial video to the entire team
• DFR operators work inside the SMART Center alongside analysts and dispatchers
• All parties (drone pilot, analyst, dispatcher, field officers) see the same information at the same time
How DFR Works
Dispatch
Receives 911
Call
SMART Center
Monitors Call
Drone
Launches
Pilot Arrives
and Relays
Information
RTIC + DFR Benefits
• Strengthen Decision Making
• Faster Response Times
• Better Patrol Allocation
• More Dispatch Information
• Interagency Coordination
• Increased Officer Safety
• Lessen Delayed Information
• Efficient Tactical Planning
• Better Communication
• Additional Resources
While ideas and strategies
surrounding RTICs and RTOCs vary
between agencies, one thing is
clear: Every agency that’s taken
even the smallest step towards
implementing has seen positive
results
How did we get here
2025
Meeting with
DFR leaders
2025
CPCA
Technology
Summit
2025
Orange
County SO
RTOC Visit
2024
Creation of
Future
Technology
Team
2024
Axon Drone
Demos
2023
Flock OS
Demo
2023
Started
Researching
DFR
2022
Started
Researching
RTCC’s
Chula Vista PD
• Chula Vista reports specific "first on
scene" response times at 97.38
seconds (just under 1.6 minutes)
• Drones arriving ahead of officers
approximately 7 minutes faster on
Priority 2 calls
• 3 minutes 39 seconds faster on
Priority 1 calls.
• Has a public dashboard displaying
real-time flight data, call types, and
response metrics
Elk Grove PD
• Clears Calls for Service
• Cleared an average of 24%
of calls-for-service without
using patrol resources
• Reduce Response Times
• Drone is first on scene on
average of 74% when
launched
• Suspects Located
• 89% Increase in locating
suspects
Current UAS vs DFR
• Currently drones are deployed
from patrol vehicles after the call
has occurred from Patrol Officers.
• DFR launches drones from a pre-
designated sites to calls for
service providing real time video
and information to first responders
prior to their arrival
RTIC & DFR
What does a Real Time Information Center (RTIC) & Drone as a First Responder (DFR) bring to Santa Maria?
Mission
To protect the community and empower public safety using real-time technology, advanced intelligence and enhance emergency response.
Coverage
• 2 Pods will cover the cities ~23 sq miles
• Each Pod Covers 3.5 Nautical Miles
• Average response time: ~86 seconds
from launch to overhead video.
• Top speed: up to ~60 mph
• Flight duration: up to ~45 minutes per
mission.
• Re-launch readiness: drone can be
back in the air in ~90 seconds after
mission completion.
• Capabilities: high-res, thermal & night
imaging; license-plate reading at long
range
DFR Benefits & Uses
•Improves Safety for First Responders and the Community •Reduces Risk and Liability
•Helps De-Escalate Dangerous Situations
•Reduces the Need for Emergency (“Code 3”) Responses
•Supports Tactical Decision-Making
•Confirms or Clarifies Initial Information
DFR Benefits & Uses
•Provides “Eyes on Scene” Within Minutes
•Delivers Real-Time Intelligence to Responders
•Allows More Efficient Use of Resources
•Enhances Incident Command & Coordination
•Supports Search, Rescue, and Disaster Response
•Creates Valuable Video Documentation
Other Uses
• DFR will be used when a call for
service meets specific criteria
• No random patrols & random
surveillance
• Emergency & Non-Emergency
Calls for Service
• Can be used for 4th of July
enforcement
•DFR de-escalates
•DFR provides invaluable information
•Transparency
•DFR will make EVERYONE safer
Questions