FAQs about DFR
While law enforcement and other first responder agencies are increasingly familiar with the term "Drone as First Responder" (DFR), many have questions about the details – from the specifics of what it is and how to implement a DFR programme to the broader "When will DFR be available?" Check these FAQs to gain a better understanding of what's possible and how to go about making DFR a reality for your agency.
FAQs about DFR
Drone as First Responder (DFR) is a programme in law enforcement where a drone provides visibility on a scene, many times as the first responder to arrive. Drones may be deployed for this purpose in a number of ways, including patrol-led, crew-based, or dock-based deployments.
Leading law enforcement agencies already have active Drone as First Responder (DFR) programmes today. Many UK police forces are seeing positive results from their initial implementation and are growing their DFR programmes. Hundreds more agencies are in the planning stages.
Many organisations have received permissions allowing them to fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) without a visual observer. The IDI Regulatory Team has deep experience working with law enforcement agencies to document their programmes and successfully navigate the complex CAA permission process.
When considering building a DFR programme, you want drones with advanced autonomous flight capabilities, exceptional imaging (day or night), unlimited range with reliable connectivity, and weather resilience. IDI drones are designed specifically for these requirements.
IDI Fly is the central operating system for DFR operations. It enables you to plan missions, launch drones, stream live video, manage multiple drones, track subjects autonomously, manage evidence, provide transparency, and streamline IT operations with enterprise-grade security.
Getting drones on scene first provides responding officers and the team supporting them with better situational awareness. This time and distance enables you to get the right information needed to develop a sound tactical approach. By removing the surprise factor of walking into the unknown, you calm nerves and reduce cognitive load for responding officers.
Yes. IDI is fully compliant with CJIS Security Policy v6.0, including user authentication, encrypted data handling, audit logging, and secure infrastructure. This ensures your DFR programme is aligned with the latest cybersecurity requirements.
While some agencies reserve DFR deployments for high-priority incidents, drones can have a significant impact when used for a variety of calls including security at large-scale community events, overwatch on execution of search warrants, first look at gunshot detection, accident response, everyday incident overwatch, and search and rescue operations.
Yes. Many agencies with access to Air Support supplement their patrol division with drones. Often, helicopters are unavailable—tasked with another active incident or grounded due to maintenance or weather. A DFR programme ensures that you have aerial support, whenever and wherever you need it.
Agencies are experiencing better outcomes in their response when implementing DFR programmes. If your agency's goals include responding faster, clearing unnecessary calls for service, reducing use of force, increasing arrests, keeping officers safer, or building stronger community relationships, it's worthwhile to explore a DFR programme.
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