By Concord Mayor, Laura Nakamura
When residents call 911, they expect help to arrive quickly and safely, with accurate information that first responders need to make good decisions. As part of the City’s commitment to public safety, Concord has invested in tools that help officers respond more effectively, including the Concord Police Department’s Drones as First Responder (DFR) Program.
Since 2021, CPD has used drone technology to support emergency response, assist officers in the field, and provide real-time information during critical incidents. The DFR Program builds on that experience by allowing qualified drone pilots to deploy drones quickly in response to certain 911 calls, often arriving before officers on the ground.
These are not the same drones many people use at home. The DFRs are public safety aircraft operated by trained personnel and used only for specific law enforcement and emergency response purposes.
The drones launch from strategically located sites throughout the city and are operated by trained pilots in the department’s Real Time Intelligence Center (RTIC). The RTIC is a centralized hub where professional staff use technology and real-time information to support officers and detectives responding to calls for service.
As a drone travels to an incident, its camera is generally directed toward the horizon rather than focused on the ground. Once it arrives, the live aerial video provides responding officers with valuable information about the situation before they reach the scene. This additional perspective helps officers better understand what is happening, make informed decisions, and coordinate the safest and most effective response.
The DFR Program supports a variety of emergency situations, including disaster and fire response, search and rescue operations, fleeing or barricaded suspects, and other critical incidents. For example, a drone may help locate a missing child, provide information about hazards at an active scene, or safely monitor a suspect’s movements while officers respond. In many situations, this real-time information can improve response times, reduce risks to the public and first responders, and help officers use resources more effectively.
As with any new public safety technology, transparency and accountability are essential. Concord Police Department drone operations are conducted in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, state law, and department policies. The drones are deployed only for specific public safety purposes and are not used for general surveillance. Residents can review drone flight activity and deployment information through CPD’s public Transparency Portal.
Public safety remains one of the highest priorities for my colleagues and me on the City Council. Investments in tools like the Drones as First Responder Program help Concord Police officers gather critical information more quickly, improve situational awareness, and respond more safely to emergencies. At the same time, new technology should always be paired with clear safeguards, public transparency, and accountability. We are committed to balancing innovation with accountability as we continue working to keep our community safe.
To learn more about the Drones as First Responder Program, visit the Concord Police Department website at https://www.cityofconcord.org/1367/Real-Time-Intelligence-Center.