News, deep dives, and analysis — every Drone as First Responder story, newest first.
On February 25, 2025, the Newport Beach City Council unanimously approved a five-year, $2,176,037.60 contract with BRINC Drones Inc. to launch an advanced drone program for the city’s police department. This move marks a significant step toward integrating cutting-edge unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into public safety operations, promising faster 911 response times and enhanced situational…
Canadian drone manufacturer Draganfly received a waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration, allowing limited drone operations over people and moving vehicles in Boston. The company announced the approval through an official FAA filing and press release. The waiver provides specific exemptions to FAA Part 107 regulations, permitting controlled drone flights over non-participants and traffic u
Flock Safety has reinforced its public safety drone initiative by bringing aboard Jon McBride, former co-founder of commercial drone company RMUS and a notable figure in drone technology development. The announcement, shared by Brett Kanda on February 7, 2025, comes as the company expands its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program following a groundbreaking FAA…
In a groundbreaking development for emergency services automation, the San Bernardino County Fire Department has launched an innovative drone first responder program, leveraging DJI’s M30T platform to revolutionize their approach to urban fire detection and response. The program, which began on January 13, 2025, represents a significant advancement in the integration of unmanned aerial systems…
Hempstead Village Police Department has become the first municipality in New York State to introduce a Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, partnering with Flock Safety to enhance emergency response capabilities within the community. The new program, announced today at the Hempstead Village Police Department headquarters, will enable the deployment of AI-equipped drones that can…
A newly released investigation by New York City’s Department of Investigation (DOI) has uncovered significant transparency and oversight issues in the New York Police Department’s expanding drone program. The December 18 report found that the NYPD’s drone operations policies fail to fully disclose critical capabilities and operational practices, raising concerns about public accountability, accord
New York Police Department (NYPD) launch "Drone as First Responder" (DFR) program, deploying autonomous aerial vehicles in three boroughs.
A groundbreaking case in Maryland has demonstrated the powerful impact of drone technology in law enforcement, as drone footage helped secure a conviction in a violent assault case. First reported by Montgomery County officials, this marks the first time drone evidence has led to a conviction in a Montgomery County jury trial, reports WUSA9. The…
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