Laredo Police Activate Drone-as-First-Responder Program to Boost Emergency Response Times

The Laredo Police Department has launched a drone program that dispatches autonomous aircraft to high-priority 911 calls, enabling them to deliver Narcan during overdoses, provide live footage to officers, and arrive at scenes in less than three minutes. This initiative expands the department’s use of drones beyond traditional surveillance and crime scene tasks into real-time first-response operations.

Expanding from Tactical to Immediate Response

Laredo Police previously restricted drone use to specialized functions like tactical support and evidence collection. Assistant Chief Ricardo Gonzalez and Lt. Romy Mutuc announced that the program is now operational and growing, with a second launch station in development and additional ones planned, according to the Laredo Morning Times.

“This isn’t just a tool for special units anymore,” Gonzalez said. “It’s a drone-as-first-responder system.”

The department responds to qualifying emergencies, such as overdoses and foot pursuits, where aerial oversight can help de-escalate situations. Drones launch remotely from stations when dispatch identifies a suitable call, rather than relying on field officers. With 20 certified pilots, including two full-time civilians, the program ensures quick deployment. Pilots monitor flights and assume control of cameras and audio upon arrival, while the drones navigate autonomously.

This development aligns with broader industry trends in public safety, where drones increasingly fill gaps in response times, particularly in urban areas like Laredo, Texas. By integrating drones into everyday operations, the department aims to enhance officer safety and community outcomes without increasing personnel demands.

Key Technical Features and Operational Details

Each drone features thermal imaging, two-way audio, and crash-avoidance software, allowing effective performance in various conditions. Flights last up to 40 minutes, covering a two-mile (3.2-kilometer) radius, with arrival times as short as two and a half minutes under favorable winds.

Mutuc detailed the monitoring process, where pilots track battery levels, weather, and regulations from a remote station. Drones return automatically at 30% battery for wireless recharging on a metal strip. While capable in light rain, factors like cloud cover and wind can impair camera clarity, potentially reducing a mission’s effectiveness.

Federal Aviation Administration rules cap flights at 200 feet (61 meters) above ground and prohibit entry into no-fly zones, such as near airports. Preloaded mapping software enforces these limits and avoids obstacles like buildings. These constraints ensure safe integration into airspace but require careful route planning for optimal coverage.

Prioritizing Overdose Interventions

A core focus involves addressing opioid overdoses, a pressing issue in the community. Although Narcan delivery is still in testing, Gonzalez confirmed the system’s readiness for it. Pilots receive training to instruct bystanders on administering the medication via drone audio if a drop occurs.

“This is going to be a project of utmost importance to our community,” Gonzalez said. “These drones are needed to save lives.”

This capability could shave critical minutes off response times, potentially increasing survival rates in overdose cases. Building on that, the program supports Laredo’s ongoing efforts during events like Overdose Awareness Month, where the initiative was first hinted at last year.

Infrastructure, Costs, and Partnerships

BRINC, a Seattle-based company specializing in public safety drones, supplies the system under a five-year contract signed in August 2024. The agreement, valued at about $2.26 million, includes six drones, launch stations, software, radar integration, training, and maintenance. The first-year cost of $432,837 came from state grant funds tied to Texas’ catalytic converter theft prevention program.

Gonzalez emphasized that the program’s value lies in its supporting ecosystem, not just the aircraft.

“This isn’t just some kid flying a drone off a roof,” he said. “This is a whole ecosystem where you’re getting real-time information and trying to prevent things from escalating.”

Potential for Broader Safety Applications

Looking ahead, the department explores using drones to track fleeing suspects in scenarios where vehicle pursuits are restricted by policy, minimizing risks to officers and civilians. Gonzalez firmly dismissed any arming of drones: “No weaponizing drones. That’s a big no-no.”

This program raises questions about scaling drone use in law enforcement nationwide, balancing technological advantages with privacy and regulatory concerns. As infrastructure expands, Laredo could set a model for how drones improve public safety efficiencies while adhering to strict operational guidelines.

Photos courtesy of J. De La Rosa / Laredo Morning Times