Wichita Falls Police to Deploy Aerodrome Drone First Responder for Enhanced Safety

In a significant step for public safety, Wichita Falls, Texas, is set to introduce the Aerodrome Drone First Responder, a cutting-edge “super” drone designed to assist first responders. Manufactured by Flock Safety, this drone aims to streamline emergency response operations, offering advanced capabilities like thermal imaging and night vision. As drone technology continues to evolve, this deployment highlights its growing role in law enforcement and community safety.

A New Tool for First Responders

The Wichita Falls Police Department is integrating the Aerodrome Drone First Responder into its operations, following successful drone use in cities like Fort Worth. According to KAUZ News, the drone will be linked to the department’s CADWEB mobile system, enabling autonomous deployment to emergency scenes.

“It integrates into our CADWEB mobile system, so any calls we get in, emergency, non-emergency, that drone is interfaced with CADWEB and can be self-deployed to a scene,” said Sgt. Brett Keith, Public Information Officer for the Wichita Falls Police Department.

This allows the drone to provide real-time aerial support, such as during a shooting, where it can be dispatched to assess the situation before officers arrive.

The drone’s capabilities are particularly valuable for time-sensitive scenarios.

“If we have somebody go missing in the middle of the night, a child goes missing, it’s cold or it’s hot. Those drones have thermal and night vision capabilities that we can get a drone up and cover a much greater area faster than somebody in a vehicle or on foot,” Sgt. Keith explained.

This technology could significantly reduce response times in critical situations, such as search-and-rescue missions or traffic accident assessments, where the drone can quickly survey scenes and help reopen roads faster.

Funding and Privacy Considerations

The $61,000 drone will be funded through the Texas Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority’s $305,000 Catalytic Converter grant, ensuring no additional burden on local taxpayers. However, the grant’s approval is pending, with a decision expected by late 2026. In the meantime, the police department, in collaboration with the city, will scout optimal base locations for the drone to maximize its effectiveness across Wichita Falls.

While the drone promises enhanced safety, some residents may have privacy concerns. Sgt. Keith addressed this directly:

“Just by staying in the bounds of the law, I understand people. Anytime technology’s involved, people are worried. What are they using that for? What are they watching? Are they using it to spy on things like that?”

The department has committed to adhering to all regulations to ensure responsible use, balancing technological advancement with community trust.

Implications for Drone Technology in Public Safety

The Aerodrome Drone First Responder represents a broader trend of drone adoption in law enforcement. Its ability to self-deploy and integrate with existing systems like CADWEB showcases the increasing automation in public safety tools. For drone professionals, this highlights the growing demand for advanced features like thermal imaging, which can detect heat signatures from up to 1,000 feet away, and night vision, enabling operations in low-light conditions.

Economically, the $61,000 price tag reflects the investment required for such technology, but the potential to reduce operational costs—by minimizing ground patrols and speeding up incident response—could justify the expense. Regulatory compliance remains crucial, as law enforcement agencies must navigate federal and state guidelines on drone usage, particularly regarding privacy and airspace management.

As Wichita Falls prepares to implement this technology, the Aerodrome Drone First Responder could set a precedent for other cities, demonstrating how drones can enhance public safety while addressing community concerns. For drone enthusiasts and professionals, this development underscores the expanding role of aerial technology in real-world applications.