The Commerce City Police Department (CCPD) has taken a major step forward in public safety with the launch of a Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, an innovative initiative designed to improve response times and provide real-time support during emergency calls. Operated remotely by trained professionals from the department’s new Real-Time Crime Center, the drones will be stationed strategically atop several buildings throughout the city. They can then be deployed to active incidents, offering officers critical situational awareness before they arrive on the scene.
The drones will never be deployed for routine surveillance, as the DFR system will only activate in response to specific 911 calls or alerts from the city’s Flock public safety technology. This targeted approach helps ensure that the drones are used solely for enhancing emergency response, not for routine monitoring.
“We are committed to maintaining transparency with our community,” said Chief of Police Darrel Guadnola. “Just like we did with the rollout of the Flock system, we’ll continue to share information about the DFR program, so the public stays informed and engaged.”
CCPD has a long-standing history of using drone technology and has worked closely with the Federal Aviation Administration to meet the strict safety requirements necessary for operating drones beyond visual line of sight. The program will provide coverage across all of Commerce City, benefiting both residents and first responders by improving the speed and effectiveness of police operations in real time. With the implementation of the DFR program, Commerce City joins a growing list of communities turning to drone technology to modernize public safety and build stronger connections between law enforcement and the people they serve.