St. Cloud Police cut response times with DFR program

Synopsis

The St. Cloud Police Department has launched a Drone as First Responder (DFR) program to speed emergency response and enhance safety for both officers and the community.

For years, St. Cloud officers manually deployed drones on scene—a process that took time and attention away from the incident. Now, with two strategically located drone dock stations, officers can launch drones remotely within seconds of a 911 call. The live aerial video feeds responders real-time intelligence before they arrive, helping them plan safer approaches, identify risks, and prioritize resources.

Chief Douglas Goerke called the program “a game-changer… putting eyes on an emergency scene faster than ever before, allowing us to gather life-saving information and de-escalate situations with greater precision.”

Powered by American-made Skydio X10 drones, each aircraft features thermal imaging, safety lighting, and parachute recovery systems. These capabilities give dispatchers and first responders early insight into critical details—such as fire spread, suspect movement, or crowd size—so they can make better decisions in the moment.

The department plans to expand from two to four dock locations to extend coverage citywide. With a five-year, $890,000 investment, St. Cloud PD is demonstrating how thoughtful use of technology can deliver faster response, improved officer safety, and stronger community trust.