This legislation will allow Drone as a First Responder (DFR) Programs
Definition:
Drone as a First Responder (DFR) is a public safety drone program in which drones are strategically stationed, often on rooftops, and remotely launched immediately upon receipt of certain 911 calls. DFR missions are limited to specific incident types where aerial information can enhance safety, decision making, and operational outcomes.
Overview and Impact:
DFR programs across the United States have demonstrated that real time aerial information, provided before ground units arrive, saves lives, improves responder safety, reduces unnecessary deployments, and helps prevent tragic outcomes. DFR has become one of the most effective de escalation tools in modern public safety.
The first DFR program launched in Chula Vista, California in 2018. Since then, the program has conducted tens of thousands of missions and publicly shares flight activity and outcomes through an online dashboard. Prior to launch, Chula Vista conducted extensive community outreach, engaged elected officials, published operational policies, and emphasized transparency. DFR is not used for random surveillance.
Nationwide, DFR programs consistently return ground units to service before arrival in approximately twenty five percent of responses. This allows agencies to prioritize higher risk calls, improve response efficiency, and better manage staffing shortages.
Key Benefits:
DFR enhances life safety for the public and responders, provides real time situational awareness, improves decision making with verified information, de escalates incidents involving reported weapons, reduces unnecessary patrol responses, and serves as a force multiplier for understaffed agencies. DFR supports locating suspects and missing persons, assessing fires and hazardous materials incidents, improving safety at large gatherings, and delivering life saving equipment such as AEDs, Narcan, tourniquets, flotation devices, and blood products.
Privacy and Civil Rights Protections:
DFR programs operate with strong safeguards to protect privacy and civil liberties. These include community engagement, transparent policies, mission limitations, and strict data handling requirements. Recording does not begin until arrival on scene unless operationally necessary. Data retention follows applicable state law and body worn camera standards. DFR is not used for random surveillance, intelligence gathering, or monitoring protected speech.
Required Guard Rails
Prohibited Uses:
DFR aircraft may not be weaponized, used for unauthorized surveillance, discriminatory data collection, personal use, wildlife harassment, or any activity that violates constitutional protections or applicable law. Search warrants are required where legally applicable.
Commitment:
DFR programs operate in compliance with federal, state, and local law and are designed to balance effective emergency response with the protection of individual privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties. DFR programs also emphasize training, supervision, auditing, and accountability to ensure responsible use of unmanned aircraft systems. Agencies establish written procedures, conduct regular reviews, and provide ongoing education for operators and supervisors. These measures reinforce public trust, support transparency, and ensure that DFR remains focused on life safety, emergency response, and community benefit.
This legislation will allow Drone as a First Responder (DFR) Programs Definition: Drone as a First Responder (DFR) is a public safety drone program in which drones are strategically stationed, often on rooftops, and remotely launched immediately upon receipt of certain 911 calls. DFR missions are limited to specific incident types where aerial information can enhance safety, decision making, and operational outcomes. Overview and Impact: DFR programs across the United States have demonstrated that real time aerial information, provided before ground units arrive, saves lives, improves responder safety, reduces unnecessary deployments, and helps prevent tragic outcomes. DFR has become one of the most effective de escalation tools in modern public safety. The first DFR program launched in Chula Vista, California in 2018. Since then, the program has conducted tens of thousands of missions and publicly shares flight activity and outcomes through an online dashboard. Prior to launch, Chula Vista conducted extensive community outreach, engaged elected officials, published operational policies, and emphasized transparency. DFR is not used for random surveillance. Nationwide, DFR programs consistently return ground units to service before arrival in approximately twenty five percent of responses. This allows agencies to prioritize higher risk calls, improve response efficiency, and better manage staffing shortages. Key Benefits: DFR enhances life safety for the public and responders, provides real time situational awareness, improves decision making with verified information, de escalates incidents involving reported weapons, reduces unnecessary patrol responses, and serves as a force multiplier for understaffed agencies. DFR supports locating suspects and missing persons, assessing fires and hazardous materials incidents, improving safety at large gatherings, and delivering life saving equipment such as AEDs, Narcan, tourniquets, flotation devices, and blood products. Privacy and Civil Rights Protections: DFR programs operate with strong safeguards to protect privacy and civil liberties. These include community engagement, transparent policies, mission limitations, and strict data handling requirements. Recording does not begin until arrival on scene unless operationally necessary. Data retention follows applicable state law and body worn camera standards. DFR is not used for random surveillance, intelligence gathering, or monitoring protected speech. Required Guard Rails Prohibited Uses: DFR aircraft may not be weaponized, used for unauthorized surveillance, discriminatory data collection, personal use, wildlife harassment, or any activity that violates constitutional protections or applicable law. Search warrants are required where legally applicable. Commitment: DFR programs operate in compliance with federal, state, and local law and are designed to balance effective emergency response with the protection of individual privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties. DFR programs also emphasize training, supervision, auditing, and accountability to ensure responsible use of unmanned aircraft systems. Agencies establish written procedures, conduct regular reviews, and provide ongoing education for operators and supervisors. These measures reinforce public trust, support transparency, and ensure that DFR remains focused on life safety, emergency response, and community benefit.