DRONERESPONDERS, the leading resource for public safety drone programs, will launch a “Drones as First Responder” working group.
The working group is designed to help other police and public safety departments develop programs like that first built by the Chula Vista, CA police department. In Chula Vista, drones are sent out in advance of police resources to gain critical situational awareness before police personnel arrive. Using drones as first responders protects both police personnel and the community, providing important data that allows the commander to determine the appropriate response.
“The mission of the Chula Vista Police Department’s UAS Program is it to provide airborne support to police operations in a safe, responsible, and transparent manner to preserve the peace, reduce response times and increase the quality of life in Chula Vista,” says the city website. “…Small remotely operated Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), also commonly referred to as drones, are an efficient and effective way of providing law enforcement critical information to respond to Calls For Service, emergency situations or to conduct criminal investigations.”
“Drone as a First Responder is a game changer by providing very quick information from a drone view directly to dispatcher and responder as to the nature of an emergency incident – if needs to be prioritized or de-escalated to reduce response and return units to service more quickly,” says Chief Charles L. Werner (Emeritus-RET) DRONERESPONDERS Director. “This makes the response more effective by locating people in need, de-escalating situations such that the response is safer for citizens and responders.”
The new working group will be led by Captain Dan Redmond of the Chula Vista Police Department. (Public safety personnel interested in participating in the working group may communicate with Captain Redmond at dredmond@chulavistapd.org.). Chula Vista’s Drones as First Responder program requires flight beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS): Chula Vista Police Department has received the first Certificate of Authorization (COA) for BVLOS flight issued to a public safety organization. The program uses software that allows remote operation drones from Cape.
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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