Having our drones to act as a force multiplier for our officers to augment what we’re already doing at the patrol level, and to increase, as well as provide better actionable intelligence for our officers—it’s a phenomenal tool for us.
Key considerations for a Drone as First Responder program
When contemplating a Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program, agencies must consider more than just drone and dock hardware. Software, services, integrations, manufacturer stability, and overall drone experience all directly impact program effectiveness, cost, reliability, and long-term scalability. Not all DFR technology providers are created equal, and decision-makers should ask the right questions to ensure they implement the most effective and sustainable solution for their community.
This guide walks through the key criteria and decisions agencies should consider as they explore starting a DFR program.
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Principles of a scalable, effective DFR solution
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Critical questions to ask when evaluating a DFR solution
How many docks and drones are needed?
Does the solution support multiple docks in a single location to ensure:
- Persistent overwatch on long-duration CFS so operators never lose sight of a dynamic situation?
- Simultaneous response to multiple calls, so the agency never has to choose which incident gets drone support.
Can the solution scale efficiently, using multiple docks for redundancy and coverage, without significantly increasing infrastructure or staffing?
Does the solution support a mix of dock-based and patrol-led deployments to expand coverage and resilience in dynamic environments?
Where should docks be placed?
Does the solution determine placement based on historical call data and vehicle performance, not just land coverage?
Does the solution consider airspace regulations, quality of network connectivity, real estate availability, installation costs, and maintenance costs?
Can you fly operations anytime, anywhere?
Does the system operate confidently at low altitudes—below tree lines, between buildings, and under overhangs—to provide the visibility needed in your real-world environments?
Is it designed for complex urban environments, including GPS-denied or connectivity-challenged areas?
Does it allow autonomous operation in zero-light or low-light conditions to support deployment, day or night?
Will the connectivity be reliable?
Can the system seamlessly optimize between point-to-point radio and 5G to maintain strong, uninterrupted connections in rural and urban areas?
Is there a strategy to assess and optimize dock placement based on real-world connectivity and latency data?
Does the cost make sense?
Does the pricing model lock agencies into an ongoing service-only model for DFR access, or do they have the option to own their hardware to reduce long-term operational costs and retain greater control?
Is the architecture built to minimize the need for costly components like radar, particularly when flying below 200' under FAA BVLOS guidelines?
Is the solution built for secure and compliant operations?
Has the solution been certified to meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy v6.0 requirements?
Does it support multi-factor authentication and secure data storage practices?
Can the vendor provide verifiable documentation to satisfy IT, procurement, and legal review processes?
Can you easily integrate DFR solutions into your current workflows?
Does the provider offer proven, seamless integrations with platforms like Axon, CAD, RTCC, ALPR, DEMS, and photogrammetry systems?
Does the provider offer open APIs for building integrations to bespoke or legacy tools?
Making the right decision for your agency
Choosing the right DFR solution enables faster response times, better situational awareness, and safer outcomes for your officers and community. A data-driven, adaptive, and tactically focused approach ensures the success of your program from day one.
See how deployment would work in your jurisdiction
Run a customized DFR Simulation using your agency’s real call data.