Starting a Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program is a transformative move that can revolutionize your public safety operations. Drone as first responder initiatives, also known as first responder programs, are innovative emergency response systems where drones are deployed immediately during incidents to provide real-time aerial surveillance and enhance situational awareness. To help your agency successfully start a DFR program, this guide outlines six essential steps tailored to your unique needs and community.
Step One: Identify the Mission & Needs
The first step to start a DFR program is understanding your agency’s mission and operational needs. Every agency is different, so conduct thorough research to define the “why” behind implementing drones. Common missions include search and rescue, tactical operations, accident reconstruction, patrol support, crowd monitoring, emergencies, emergency situations, and traffic accidents. When you start a DFR program, remember that defining your mission comes before selecting technology. It is also essential to identify the resources needed for effective drone deployment to ensure your program can respond efficiently to various incidents. Choose drone equipment and vendors that align with your mission requirements, considering factors like durability, payloads (thermal cameras, zoom, spotlights), and whether drones will be used indoors or outdoors. Don’t forget to plan for accessories, maintenance, and long-term service to keep your drone fleet mission-ready.
Step Two: Build Support and Secure Funding
To start a DFR program successfully, gaining buy-in from leadership and the community is critical. Many police departments have successfully implemented DFR programs, sometimes in partnership with technology providers such as Covered 6. Secure funding by engaging agency decision-makers early and communicating the program’s benefits. Building community support through transparency about how drones will enhance public safety helps ensure your program’s acceptance and longevity.
Step Three: Establish Program Policies
When you start a DFR program, solid policies are vital to ensure responsible drone use. Comply with FAA Part 107 regulations and acquire any necessary Certificates of Authorization (COA). Develop internal policies that address operational procedures, privacy protections, and the management of digital evidence collected during drone operations. Policies should prohibit intentionally recording or transmitting images of private locations unless a warrant issued by a judge is obtained or in emergency situations. Drone operators must respect individuals’ reasonable expectation of privacy and ensure privacy protected practices are followed at all times. Transparency with the public about drone use, including how privacy is safeguarded, how digital evidence is handled, and when warrants are required for recording inside private buildings or when responding to an other call, builds trust and accountability.
Step Four: Secure Equipment and Train Personnel
Starting a DFR program means selecting the right officers or operators who will manage drone flights. This includes assigning roles such as remote pilot, who is responsible for directly controlling the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during public safety missions; drone operators, who must follow legal and privacy guidelines while managing drones in emergency response scenarios; and remote operators, who use centralized systems to monitor live video feeds, coordinate drone fleets, and respond to calls in real time. Provide structured training that covers not only how to fly drones but also when and why to deploy them. Specialized units such as tactical or SWAT teams may require advanced training tailored to their unique missions, while general patrol officers receive appropriate instruction. Well-trained personnel ensure that your DFR program delivers real-time intelligence effectively and safely.
Step Five: Integration with Operations
A key to success when you start a DFR program is integrating drones into your agency’s existing response protocols. This includes deploying drones as part of an active response to emergency calls and incidents, ensuring rapid aerial support is available when needed. Coordinate with dispatch, command staff, and field officers to make drone deployment a routine part of emergency responses. Drones can respond and are actively responding to emergencies, often arriving at the scene before officers arrive, providing real-time intelligence and enhancing safety for responders. Incorporating first responder drones, and first responder programs into your operational toolkit ensures your agency is equipped for modern emergency management. Implementing a drone as a first responder program, especially using the DFR model and participating in DFR programs, represents an innovative approach to emergency response, improving response times and operational efficiency. Utilizing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in public safety operations acts as a force multiplier for responders, significantly increasing their effectiveness. The data collected by these systems is crucial for enhancing situational awareness and operational intelligence during any incident. Programs that incorporate drones into daily operations maximize their effectiveness and provide critical situational awareness during emergency incidents.
Step Six: Evaluate and Adjust Your Program
Starting a DFR program is just the beginning—continuous evaluation and adaptation are essential. Conduct after-action reviews to assess performance, update policies to reflect evolving FAA regulations and community expectations, and upgrade equipment as needed. You may find that different drones or payloads better suit your changing mission needs. Maintaining community engagement and transparency remains a priority to sustain trust and accountability. As your hardware and training needs evolve you may need the assistance of a partner like Covered 6 and their C6 Drones division.
By following these six strategic steps to start a DFR program, your agency can harness cutting-edge drone technology to improve emergency response times, enhance safety for emergency personnel, and provide real-time intelligence that saves lives. Begin your DFR journey today and lead your community into the future of public safety.