Latest news with #DroneasaFirstResponder
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Yahoo
Tools and technology: ‘Drone as a First Responder' piloted in Lenexa
LENEXA, Kan. — Police in Lenexa are using innovative tools and technology to keep officers and the community safe when responding to emergency calls. The 'Drone as a First Responder' program was introduced to Lenexa in March. It's being added to the department's already existing drone fleet. 'Right now, we believe we are the first in the Kansas City Metro to establish a 'Drone as a First Responder Program,'' Officer Danny Chavez said. Lenexa resident finds bobcat kitten sheltering inside home during recent storm It supplies eyes on the scene before officers arrive. The collaboration is with the Lenexa Fire Department, and it's used within 'any call' where responders think a difference could be made. Drones, though, aren't new to Lenexa, but having one be deployed remotely is. 'We can get a drone over the scene minutes before an officer arrives and feed real-time information to our dispatchers and our officers,' Officer Danny Chavez with Lenexa PD shared. So far, success has been seen; it's shortened response times. 'We've seen two minutes shaved off our response time,' Chavez said in reference to emergency response calls. There has also been a reduction in response times, on average, by four minutes with non-emergency calls, too. From March to May, this specific drone has been used nearly 130 times. 'That was from everything from a suspicious person wandering in the area, that we wanted to check out before officers got on scene, to car crashes and disturbances and active thefts, etc.' Man charged in connection with death of Platte County sports reporter shot on I-29 You can see, highlighted in yellow, when this DFR (Drone as a First Responder) drone was deployed during recent emergency calls. There will be an amendment to the 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Program to include the Drone as a First Responder Program and an agreement with Paladin Drones, Inc. 'The Drone as a First Responder Drone, we've just been piloting one over the last couple of months, and we were just approved by the governing body here in Lenexa to purchase six more.' There will be seven total of this kind operating in Lenexa. You can read the June 3 Lenexa City Council agenda here. 'The 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Program needs to be amended to add funds for the first year of the full implementation of the Drone as First Responder (DFR) Program, which is $300,535. Annual maintenance costs for years two through five are $173,700 and will be paid from the Police Department's operating budget. The total five-year cost is $995,335,' a Lenexa City Council document reads. Over the next few months, the additional six drones will be stationed throughout the city, having a home base, and making sure the community is covered. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
WFPD grant submitted for self-deploying drone in Wichita Falls
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) —The Wichita Falls Police Department could be getting some much-needed help added to the force, and in the form of technology. Public Information Officer for the WFPD, Sergeant Brett Keith, stated that they've applied for a grant for a new Aero Dome DFR, also known as a Drone as a First Responder, a self-deploying drone. Wichita Falls airport aims to guide future development The DFR, if purchased, would be housed in an undisclosed location, most likely in the central part of the city. Sergeant Keith said the drone will be connected to their dispatch and can deploy on its own before being taken over by a drone certified officer, the purpose is to respond to active scenes which Keith said would take on average about 86 seconds to respond, with multiple benefits not only for the officers but for civilians as well. 'The majority of the time, there's going to be a couple minutes for officers make it to the scene. So being able to get eyes on a scene before maybe a suspect leaves or gain, crucial evidence that could be used for prosecution to benefit the community. Is why I think we're looking at going this direction,' Keith said Sergeant Keith said multiple law enforcement agencies throughout the nation have already started utilizing this type of technology. There is still no word on the price tag of the DFR or when the department will know if they have received the grant, but be sure to stick with us as we bring you more information on this once it becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
Arlington PD first in state with expanded drone program
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways The Brief Arlington PD has received a waiver to fly drones outside an officer's "line-of-sight." The department says they are the first in Texas to be granted the waiver by the FAA. They hope the expanded drone program will decrease response times and protect officers. (Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images) ARLINGTON, Texas - The Arlington Police Department is elevating its use of drone technology. According to Chief Al Jones, the department is the first in the state to obtain a "line-of-sight" waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration. Jones says this expanded permit allows them to operate drones without a visual observer. The chief says the program will help police perform their job safely. 'Drones as a First Responder' program The new operation is called the "Drone as a First Responder" program, or DFR. The department has been designing, tweaking and trying out its use to enhance the response to calls. They say the program will never replace officers' response. The DFR program began two months ago, though drones have been in use by the department for years. The drones are launched from two docks in separate locations. What they're saying Jones tells us the program may be able to reduce response times drastically. "We have about an eight-minute response, but with our drones within our radius, we could do it within a minute or two," the chief said. "This program is really going to ramp up how we are using drones and take us to the next level." According to Jones, their ability to fly the drones at long range from their officers will help to keep law enforcement out of harm's way. "Our officers respond, not knowing whether a person has a gun or not, but our drones can fly to that location, get real-time intelligence, being able to identify whether the person has a gun or not, and provide that intelligence to our officers," said Jones. "Our job is to deliver to those officers the best information that we can as quickly as we can so they can do their job better and safer," said Sgt. Eric Borton. "This role becomes even more complicated when those officers respond to more serious calls such as burglaries or assaults in progress." The plan going forward What's next As the program progresses, the department says their goal is to add more drones to their force. The Source Information in this article was given by the Arlington Police Department.
CBS News
10-03-2025
- Automotive
- CBS News
Miami Beach Police will utilize drones, real-time intelligence center during spring break
Miami Beach is anticipating a busy spring break season with thousands of people expected to visit. To help keep residents and visitors alike safe, police are going high tech. On Monday, Miami Beach Police unveiled their new Real Time Intelligence Center (RTIC) and launch of the Skydio's Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program. The department is the first agency in the state, one of only five departments nationwide, to implement Sykdio's DFR program. According to police, the center and drone program will allow them to monitor and respond to incidents in real-time, particularly during the high-impact spring break weekends. "Miami Beach is at the forefront of pioneering technology to revolutionize public safety," Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner said in a statement. "The Real Time Intelligence Center and Drone as a First Responder Program equip our police department with exceptional tools, ensuring swift and decisive action to protect our community." Police will be able to make data driven decisions The $2 million RTIC will serve as the central hub for the police department's advanced observation, analytics, detection, and intelligence operations. Multiple sources will be feeding data into the center in real time. According to police, the RTIC integrates approximately 850 cameras, providing over 1,600 views across Miami Beach. The center will also monitor 30 license plate readers, which will identify vehicles associated with criminal activity, and the RADII Marine Radar system which provides live monitoring of maritime activity. The intelligence center will also monitor for threats or public safety concerns on social media. "Our city is establishing a benchmark for law enforcement agencies throughout the nation; illustrating how technology can be effectively utilized to enhance public safety while ensuring transparency and accountability," Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne A. Jones said in a statement. Eyes in the sky The Miami Beach Police Department is the first agency in Miami-Dade County to receive a Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Waiver, allowing for drone operations beyond the direct line of sight of an operator. The Skydio X10 drone is a cutting-edge quadcopter designed for law enforcement applications. Operated directly from the RTIC, these drones will give officers "real time situational awareness" to any public safety issue.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Yahoo
Redmond police use drone to chase shoplifting suspect
The Redmond Police Department used its eyes in the skies to help track down a shoplifting suspect- and they shared video of the ordeal. On Jan. 27, just before 3 p.m., officers were called to a retail store on Northeast 76th Street for a woman accused of stealing. Officers quickly deployed a drone to track the woman, who they say boarded a bus at a nearby park and ride. The drone pilot was able to track the bus for a little over a mile and provide live updates to patrol officers on the ground. Officers tracked the woman to another park and ride in the area and arrested her. It turns out, the woman had arrest warrants for theft and obstruction. The department launched its Drones as First Responders program last spring. The goal is to use them to help officers assess the safety of a scene before ground units arrive. DFR technology leads officers to shoplifting suspect 🚨DFR technology leads officers to a shoplifting suspect🚨 On Jan. 27, around 2:50 p.m., Redmond officers responded to a reported shoplift in progress at a retail store in the 17700 block of NE 76th St. Upon arrival, store employees described the female suspect and stated they saw her flee on foot toward a nearby park and ride. A Drone as a First Responder (DFR) pilot deployed a drone, quickly located the suspect, and saw her board a bus. The DFR pilot followed the bus for more than a mile while providing live updates to patrol officers on the ground. With the help of the DFR, patrol officers located the bus and followed it to another park and ride. Officers approached the suspect as she deboarded the bus and detained her without incident. A criminal history check revealed the suspect has arrest warrants for theft and obstruction. Check out the footage⬇️to see how our team works together to keep Redmond safe. Posted by Redmond WA Police on Tuesday, February 4, 2025
