(KRON) — The Concord Police Department is expanding its drone usage program. On Wednesday, the department announced it would be using drone technology as part of its first responder program.
Concord PD has been using drones since 2021 “to enhance community safety, assist officers in the field, and provide real-time support during critical incidents,” the department said. “Now, we’re taking the next step forward in public safety with the Drone as First Responder (DFR) Program — a groundbreaking initiative that helps officers respond faster, smarter, and safer.”
The expansion will see the department gain the ability to deploy drones from strategically placed launch sites around the city, allowing trained pilots to deploy the drones within seconds of 911 calls. The drones will have the capability to stream live aerial video, “giving officers the information they need to make quick, informed decisions.”
Police say this will lead to faster response times and safer outcomes for the community. Concord PD drone flights will operate under FAA regulations and department policies to “ensure transparency, accountability, and privacy protection.”
Concord PD said it will begin implementing the DFR program in the coming weeks with full deployment in the “near future.”
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