The Future of Drone as First Responder (DFR) Programs: Insights from the National Public Safety UAS Conference

Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs are evolving rapidly, with agencies across the United States refining their use of drone technology to enhance public safety. At the National Public Safety UAS Conference, sponsored by DRONERESPONDERS, law enforcement leaders discussed “DFR Next Generation” or “DFR 2.0,” which emphasizes remotely piloted drone dock systems to expand operational capabilities.

Drone as First Responder (DFR) 2.0, or Next Generation DFR, represents an evolution in emergency response technology that eliminates the need for rooftop personnel to act as Visual Observers and enables true beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. This advanced system incorporates automated “drone in a box” solutions for launch, recovery, and battery charging, as well as ground-based surveillance systems (GBSS) using radar, optical, or acoustic technologies to enhance airspace awareness. DFR 2.0 aims to streamline operations by allowing a single operator to control missions remotely, potentially improving response times and expanding operational capabilities for public safety agencies.

Advancements in DFR Programs

DFR programs have progressed significantly since their inception, with agencies adapting different approaches to fit their specific needs. Representatives from Elk Grove, Las Vegas Metro, and Fort Wayne Police Departments shared their experiences in implementing and scaling DFR operations.

Elk Grove Police Department: Elk Grove PD has integrated Aerodome docks and DJI drones, achieving complete citywide coverage with three strategically placed docks. Their real-time drone operators push live video feeds to multiple city agencies, covering 42 square miles.

Fort Wayne Police Department: Fort Wayne PD’s program began in 2017 with a tactical drone unit before transitioning into DFR operations. Currently, a 12-officer team utilizes 3 DJI Dock 2s, focusing coverage on the downtown area while maintaining a mix of tactical and DFR functions. Each tactical program officer is equipped with an M30 drone for crime scene mapping and situational awareness.

Las Vegas Metro Police Department: Following the 2017 Mandalay Bay incident, Las Vegas Metro PD sought to establish drones as essential tools rather than experimental technology. They began small but have since scaled their program significantly, with plans to deploy 39 drone docks across the city. The department has also hired civilian drone pilots to manage operations and is building a dedicated drone operations center.

Key Considerations for Implementing DFR 2.0

As DFR programs expand, law enforcement leaders highlighted several crucial factors for success:

1. Stakeholder Engagement: Securing early buy-in from political leaders and community members is essential. Agencies like Elk Grove PD established communication and connections with city advisory councils to ensure unanimous support before requesting large-scale installations.
2. Regulatory Navigation: The approval process for drone programs varies by jurisdiction. Montgomery County, Maryland, faces unique challenges due to its proximity to Washington, D.C.’s restricted airspace, requiring them to maintain visual line of sight for operations. Each agency must apply for waivers tailored to their region’s regulatory framework.
3. Transparency and Public Trust: All of the agencies emphasized the importance of public engagement. Las Vegas Metro PD projects flight data onto a public-facing webpage to reassure citizens that drones are used for law enforcement, not surveillance. Fort Wayne PD actively invites community members to attend drone demonstrations to promote transparency.  Elk Grove visits each neighborhood of the city every year for a public-facing barbecue.
4. Operational Flexibility: While some departments employ sworn officers as drone pilots, others, such as Las Vegas Metro PD, have hired civilian pilots to manage their operations. Elk Grove PD focuses on pilot aptitude over job classification, ensuring that the most capable individuals operate the drones.
5. Technology and Future Expansion: Agencies are looking beyond current DFR capabilities. Las Vegas Metro PD envisions a future with fixed-wing drones capable of eight to ten-hour continuous flight shifts under Part 108 BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) regulations. They are already in discussions with air traffic control to explore potential flight corridors for expanded drone operations.

DFR as a Force Multiplier

Beyond enhancing response times, DFR programs are proving to be cost-effective and beneficial for law enforcement staffing challenges. Montgomery County PD, which faces a shortfall of nearly 200 officers, utilizes drones to handle incidents efficiently, reducing the need for in-person responses.

Additionally, agencies are finding unexpected benefits. Elk Grove PD, for example, used drones to identify illegal fireworks violations, resulting in over $250,000 in fines issued in a single day. While not designed as a revenue source, these results demonstrate the effectiveness of drones in enforcing local laws.

DFR Next Generation, or DFR 2.0, represents the next stage in drone-based law enforcement operations. As agencies continue to refine their approaches, integrating drone docks, real-time monitoring, and regulatory compliance will be essential. The lessons shared at the National Public Safety UAS Conference provide a roadmap for departments seeking to implement or expand their own DFR initiatives. With continued innovation and public engagement, DFR programs will likely play an even greater role in modern policing, improving response times, increasing situational awareness, and enhancing overall community safety

Want DRONELIFE news delivered to your inbox every weekday?  Sign up here.

Read more:

• DRONELIFE Exclusive Interview: Flock Safety’s Vision for High-Tech Crimefighting with DFR
• Palm Springs Police Department Aims to Revolutionize Drone Response with DFR 2.0
• Elk Grove Police Receive First FAA Waiver for Citywide 400-Foot Drone as First Responder Operations