Dearborn, MI — Residents across Dearborn could see faster police response times starting today as the city becomes the first in Michigan to fully deploy a Drone as First Responder (DFR) program.
According to the Dearborn Police Department, the new system allows aerial drones to launch from strategic locations and reach anywhere in the city within 2.5 minutes, providing officers with real-time video and situational awareness before they arrive on scene.
The drones, manufactured by Skydio, will be used during a range of incidents, including violent crimes, traffic crashes, missing person searches, and vehicle or property break-ins, police said. Officials say the added visibility helps officers make safer, faster decisions during evolving emergencies.
Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin said the program allows officers to assess situations almost immediately after a 911 call is placed, helping reduce uncertainty and improve how resources are deployed.
“This program acts as a force multiplier,” Shahin said, noting it can reduce response times while supporting safer outcomes for both officers and residents.
Police officials say the DFR system will also support de-escalation efforts, allowing officers to evaluate threats before entering potentially dangerous environments, which could reduce the likelihood of use-of-force incidents.
Beyond emergency response, the drones will assist with infrastructure surveys, construction monitoring, illegal dumping investigations, and flood-prone area inspections during heavy rain events. They may also be used for damage assessments after storms, fires, or large-scale events, helping the city qualify for state or federal assistance more quickly.
The department plans to make drone flight data publicly available through an online transparency dashboard, officials said.
Police added that investments in advanced response technology have coincided with year-over-year declines in violent crime and traffic-related injuries across Dearborn.
More information about the program is available through the Dearborn Police Department’s Transparency Dashboard.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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