Drones are a Powerful Tactical Response Tool

In an article first published online in Police Chief Magazine, Charles Werner, Chief (Ret.), Member, IACP Aviation Committee shares why and how police departments are utilizing drones as a tool to enhance public safety and security. Many situations can put officers and the citizens they protect in harm’s way and drones provide means to “look around corners” and obtain a clearer understanding of what is happening. Drones are typically equipped with a camera. Data is relayed in real-time to the drone pilot and incident command. Drones provide means to gather critical information that can help keep officers and community members safe and expedite incident resolution.  

Drones for On-Site Reconnaissance 

A police unit might utilize drones for pre-entry reconnaissance and to inform decision making and deployment for specialized responses: clearing rooms, hostage rescue, drug seizures, bomb threats, stand-offs, SWAT deployment, and more. Since drones are agile and fast, they also prove useful for surveilling property’s that experience repeated vandalism or theft, and to maintain “sight” on fleeing suspects. And for dynamic and/or expansive crime scenes, tethered drones are a valuable tool for active crime scene overwatch.  

These situations alone provide a case for adding drones to a public safety department’s tool kit. However, there is another drone application that provides ROI to departments and supports their efforts to maintain safe communities – Drone as First Responder. Daily, across the world, DFR programs are helping Command prioritize and dispatch officers safely and expeditiously to a broad array of incidents. 

Drones for DFR 

Similar to SWAT teams using drones for location reconnaissance, DFR leverages drones ahead of on-site human response to gather intelligence. The visual data gathered by the drone can include details about the site such as whether it is a heavily populated area, the presence of smoke or fire, the movement of those involved, and more. Details like these can help Command better understand the nature of the incident and inform priority for deploying officers to the site.  

On a recent webinar with the FAA, it was shared that there are now 22 law enforcement agencies successfully deploying DFR drones with another 28 in the application process. 

DFR originated in Chula Vista, California, and has enhanced incident response. When a 911 call is received, a drone is immediately launched and deployed to the scene – often arriving before a field officer is able. On-board the drone, cameras relay images in real time back to the DFR command where additional decisions can be made about priority, number of officers required, and whether EMS or are required for incident response. 

The positive impact of DFR on the Chula Vista community is undeniable with significant impact to prioritization of critical response, reduced response times, conflict de-escalation and more. These statistics and detailed information about the program are available on the Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) website, and here are some highlights:  

• • • More than 18,000 responses

    • 2,512 DFR-assisted arrests

    • avoided dispatch of ground unit 4,177 times

    • DFR first on scene 13,500 times

    • Average response time of 94 seconds (about 1 and a half minutes)

Results from the Chula Vista program are being replicated nationwide by departments who have leveraged the learning of the inaugural effort and launched their own DFR initiatives. While DFR program motivations are similar across agencies, there are slight differences that account for variations within each area of operation including airspace classification, days/hours of operation, specific mission types, and the aircraft deployed.  

Almost all DFR programs participate in the non-profit working group called DroneResponders. Participants share information about their own program including successes and challenges, CONOPS, and technology used. DroneResponders also provides support for FAA waiver applications and helps mentor those interested in starting a DFR program.  

Would an incident commander make decisions with their eyes closed? Drone technology allows the police to see more and make informed decisions. …Today’s police officers are facing dangerous homeland security threats and deadly attacks on police officers. They deserve the best tools to ensure their safety while enhancing their effectiveness on the street.  

Drones provide an affordable way to enhance situational awareness with an aerial assist. Drones serve as a force multiplier, helping enhance safety and save lives. 

To read the full article, Drones in Tactical Response.