DRONE
AS FIRST
RESPONDER
INTRODUCTION TO
DFR stands for Drone as First Responder, a system
that allows drones to be dispatched immediately to
emergency calls.
● DFR was developed for public safety officials to
red
uce response times and improve situational
awareness.
● Key Difference: Unlike traditional drones used in
pre-planned operations, DFR is deployed instantly
to emergencies and calls for service, providing call
takers and first responders with real-time
information to make better decisions.
What is DFR?
INTRODUCTION TO
DFR
DFR VS.
TRADITIONAL
OPERATIONS
Traditional Use
Drones are often used for planned operations like SWAT, Search and Rescue, or evidence collection, which is
effective but not always suited for time-sensitivity. These drones have limited range and flight time.
Drones are deployed immediately
to emergency calls. DFR programs
allow police to be “on-scene”
within 2 minutes for most
agencies.
The DFR pilot is a trained first
responder, dispatcher or specialist
who evaluates the situation and
coordinates a response, ensuring
officers and citizens are safe.
DFR IN ACTION
Emergency
call is
received
(such as a
911 call).
Drone is
launched
immediately
from a
strategic
location.
Drone is
remotely
operated,
providing a live
aerial feed to
officers,
dispatchers,
supervisors, etc.
Real-time data helps
first responders
make decisions
before arriving on-
scene and ensures
they’re better
prepared to take
action.
Resource management is a core benefit of DFR
operations. The drone pilot can assess the
emergency and make real-time decisions:
● For mental health calls, the drone might
id
entify no crime is occurring, enabling de-
escalation of the incident or inRESPONSE
deployment.
● For natural disasters or medical emergencies,
t
he drone can guide public safety personnel on
an appropriate response based on an aerial
scene assessment for fires, floods or
earthquakes.
This means the right resources are sent to
each call efficiently, minimizing wasted
time and effort.
OPTIMIZING RESOURCES THROUGH DFR
(view of smoke from a DFR flight)
Resource Reductions and Savings
In 2022, one Northern California Police Agency Fielded 177,086 Calls for Service Of that number, 45,472 calls required an officer response. 5,153 calls were handled by sending a police drone, Equaling an 11% reduction in calls that First Responders needed to respond the first year. That number has increased to 22% currently.
Agencies who have implemented a DFR program have reported an 11%-22% reduction in call requiring an officer response
Funding sources for DFR are federal/state sponsored grants DFR would be fully funded by Non-General Fund Budgets
Organized Retail Theft
Assaults
Sideshows
Suspicious Persons
Missing/At Risk People
Reckless Driving
Collision With Injury
Traffic Hazards
Hazmat
Dispensary Burglaries
Robberies
Natural Disasters Earthquake/Fire/Floods
Evacuations
Armed Subjects
Pursuits
TYPES OF CALLS DFR RESPONDS TO:
Example 1: Resource Allocation
The DFR responds to a traffic
accident and determines there are no
injuries, allowing dispatchers to send
the appropriate amount of first
responders. It can also provide
information about traffic closures
and alternative routes that police can
message to the public.
EXAMPLES OF DFR USES
Example 2: Pre-Arrival Assessment
The DFR arrives first to a 911 call and
determines the threat appeared to be
a false alarm, better equipping
responders and de-escalating the
situation. This information can be
used to mitigate emergency
response situations, enhancing
safety to the public and responding
personnel.
EXAMPLES OF DFR USES
● Faster Response Times: D rones arrive in less than 2
minutes on average, meaning faster assessments of
the scene.
● Enhanced Safety: P rovides critical information to first responders before they arrive, reducing risks for both
officers and the public.
● Efficient Resource Use: In 11-25% of cases, the drone, piloted by a drone operator, can handle the call on its own, without the need for officers or other resources. ● Cost-Effective: Reduces the need for expensive helicopter deployments or large equipment for certain calls. The cost of most DFR programs is less than the cost of one officer (salary and benefits) per year. ● Community Trust: The focus is on real-time emergencies and quick response, not on surveillance.
WHY DFR PROTECTS
THE WHOLE COMMUNITY
● WHAT IT’S NOT: DFR operations are strictly tied to
emergency calls for service, not routine patrols or
surveillance.
● PRIVACY MATTERS: Clear operational guidelines ensure that drones are not used for surveillance. Deployments are
directly related to calls for service-not random patrolling.
SRPD has a current drone policy. An additional policy would be created and implemented for DFR operations and use.
● COMMUNITY TRUST: DFR programs rely on a community
partnership, with full transparency on when and why drones are deployed. A transparency web page will be dedicated to the flight and mission operations of all DFR deployments for the public to readily access.
DFR IS NOT RANDOM
SURVEILLANCE