COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Christopher Williams, Chief of Police
DATE: April 7, 2026
SUBJECT: Presentation - Drone as a First Responder and Real Time Crime Center Program
Description:
The City Council will receive a presentation of staff’s proposed Drone as First Responder (DFR) and Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) programs.
RECOMMENDATION:
Provide direction to staff regarding implementation of the proposed Drone as First Responder and Real-Time Crime Center programs.
BACKGROUND:
The Drone as First Responder (DFR) program builds on the rapid advancement of unmanned aerial system (UAS) technology and its increasing adoption by public safety agencies across the United States. Existing DFR programs have demonstrated that drones can be deployed directly from remote docking stations to arrive at emergency scenes in a fraction of the time of ground units, providing live video to responding officers.
DFR programs will enhance situational awareness, improve officer and community safety, reduce response times, and allocate resources more efficiently. This program will emphasize transparency, privacy protections, policy development, and community engagement to ensure responsible and effective deployment.
The Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) program is designed to centralize data analysis, enable live monitoring of in -field situations, and greatly enhance intelligence -sharing.
RTCCs integrate technologies including computer -aided dispatch (CAD), records management systems (RMS), license plate readers, CCTV networks, and analytics software into a single operational hub. By providing real -time access to critical information, RTCCs enhance decision-making, officer safety, investigative efficiency, and interagency collaboration. The proposed RTCC program would leverage modern data integration tools for our intelligence-led policing strategy.
DISCUSSION:
The Santa Maria Police Department is seeking to implement a Drone as First Responder (DFR) program and establish a Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) to enhance situational awareness, improve response times, and strengthen overall public safety operations. 2 These programs are designed to leverage existing and emerging technology to support officers in the field, provide real -time information to decision -makers, and increase transparency and accountability.
The DFR program would deploy unmanned aerial systems to calls for service when appropriate, allowing trained perso nnel to assess incidents in real time before officers arrive on scene. This capability can improve officer and community safety by providing critical information regarding scene dynamics, potential hazards, suspect descriptions, and the need for additional resources. The RTCC would serve as a centralized hub where trained staff monitor live camera feeds, integrate data from various law enforcement technologies, and provide real -time intelligence to officers responding to incidents.
Together, these programs aim to support more informed, efficient, and coordinated responses to calls for service.
The intent of this presentation is to provide the City Council with an overview of the proposed DFR and RTCC programs, including operational protocols, privacy safeguards, data retention policies, staffing considerations, and projected costs. Staff will present both programs and seek City Council feedback and direction regarding implementation.