Drone as First Responder Program is officially in the air! 

April 16, 2026 – Fresno Police Department officials report that they have launched the Drone as First Responder (DFR) Program. Three drone as first responder units were installed on March 17, 2026, and went live on March 23, 2026. The three units are installed at: Fresno Police Department Headquarters, Northeast District Station, and Northwest District Station. The Drone First Responder Program currently operates five days a week and is expected to expand.

The drones record video from the moment it takes off until the moment it lands. The video is immediately uploaded through our AXON program. Our officers can monitor and view the live feed of the drones from the field. Encrypted links of the videos can be sent to our officers for live viewing. One of the units was purchased through a donation made through the Fresno Police Chief’s Foundation, and two of the units were purchased through Organized Retail Theft grant funds.

Our DFR units have the ability to have an external speaker attached to it. Pre-recorded messages can be played for announcement including K-9 announcements, dispersal orders, surrender orders, and emergency directions. The DFR units can also have a spotlight attached to them for nighttime searching.

View video here.
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Source: Fresno Police Department