Peoria, IL – The Peoria Police Department has launched a one-week pilot program testing a Drone as First Responder (DFR) system, an initiative designed to improve emergency response times while providing officers with live aerial information before they arrive at certain incidents.
According to the Peoria Police Department, the DFR program uses a drone equipped with a camera that launches from a fixed location after eligible 911 calls are dispatched through the department’s Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. Officials say the aircraft provides real-time video to responding officers and supervisors, helping them assess scenes, identify potential hazards, locate victims or suspects, and coordinate resources before officers reach the location.
Police Chief Brad Dixon emphasized that the drone is intended to supplement, not replace, officers. The department said the drones do not conduct random patrols or surveillance and respond only to dispatched calls for service.
Department officials also outlined several safeguards intended to address privacy concerns. According to the department, the drones are not equipped with weapons, facial recognition technology is not used, and video is retained only as permitted under department policy and applicable law. The department also said it plans to provide regular public reporting about the program’s operations and performance.
Officials believe the technology could reduce unnecessary foot pursuits, limit large perimeter searches, improve situational awareness, and provide valuable video documentation that supports accountability for both officers and the public.
The Peoria Police Department said similar Drone as First Responder programs in communities across the country have shown improvements in emergency response, increased situational awareness, and additional opportunities to resolve incidents safely while enhancing officer and community safety.
