By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• The Fresno Police Department has launched a drone-as-first-responder program to speed aerial response to critical public safety incidents.
• The program deploys unmanned aircraft to provide rapid aerial video to officers and incident commanders before patrol units arrive.
• Fresno PD purchased six drones with federal grant funding and technical support from the city’s fire and police departments.
• The department plans to use the drones for calls including structure fires, vehicle crashes and active-threat events.
• Operators will be trained and FAA-certified to ensure compliance and safe integration of the unmanned aircraft.
FRESNO, CA — The Fresno Police Department has implemented a drone-as-first-responder program intended to deliver aerial situational awareness to officers and commanders ahead of physical unit arrival, officials said.
The program equips the department with unmanned aircraft that can be deployed on priority calls, providing live video feeds of scenes such as structure fires, traffic collisions and active-threat incidents.
Fresno PD acquired six drones using federal grant funds, with support and coordination from both the police and fire departments for equipment and operations, authorities said.
The department plans to deploy drones on appropriate calls to supply responding personnel with an early aerial perspective to improve safety and decision-making before officers reach scenes.
Fresno PD said it will train and certify operators under Federal Aviation Administration requirements to ensure compliant, safe drone use alongside traditional emergency response assets.