The Peoria Police Department is running a one-week pilot program using drones as emergency first responders.
The Drones as First Responders [DFR] trial is aimed at improving response times, enhancing community and officer safety and providing police with critical information prior to arriving at a scene.
“When certain emergency calls are received by 911, a drone launches from a fixed location and flies directly to the scene, providing live video to responding officers and supervisors,” said Police Chief Brad Dixon.
“It does not conduct random patrols and it does not replace police officers. It only responds to dispatched calls for service.”
The program continues the police department's expansion of drone use in recent years. The department said the DFR initiative is designed to maintain privacy and transparency, with multiple safeguards in place.
Drones launch only in response to certain types of emergency calls, as dispatched through the department’s computer-aided system. They are not used for random surveillance or routine patrols.
Additionally, the drones are not equipped with weapons and they do not use facial recognition technology.
The program uses an aerial camera to provide real-time video from an incident location, helping police make informed decisions and helping to de-escalate situations.
Officers will be able to assess hazards, identify possible suspects and victims, more effectively coordinate resources and potentially reduce the need to use force or high-risk tactics.
The department said similar programs in other communities across the country have resulted in improved emergency response operations.
