Aerial Drone as First Responder (DFR)

The mission of the West Palm Beach Police Department’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program is to provide airborne support to police operations in a safe, responsible, and transparent manner. The program enhances the department’s ability to preserve peace, reduce response times, and improve the overall quality of life in West Palm Beach.

Small, remotely operated UAS—commonly referred to as drones—provide officers with rapid and reliable aerial intelligence. These systems support a wide range of public safety operations, including:

• Providing overhead views of active incidents
• Clearing building interiors safely
• Documenting crime and crash scenes
• Searching for lost or missing persons
• Locating fleeing suspects or suspect vehicles
• Delivering real time situational awareness during critical incidents

Because West Palm Beach’s airspace is complex and highly trafficked, the UAS program also employs radar-based aircraft detection and avoidance technology to ensure safe operations and maintain compliance with federal aviation requirements.

The department’s UAS program began in 2017 as a patrol-based initiative operated by FAA Part 107–certified pilots. DJI Phantom and Matrice 210 platforms were used to provide aerial situational awareness.

The West Palm Beach Police Department launched its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program in July 2024, using the Skydio X10 platform and following the nationally recognized Chula Vista model. West Palm Beach became the first manned DFR program in Florida and the first in the nation to deploy the Skydio X10.

Launching one of the nation’s first Skydio based DFR programs required extensive collaboration with engineers and field representatives to overcome early challenges involving signal reliability and live streaming. The partnership helped establish operational standards for the emerging Skydio DFR ecosystem. 

In May 2025, the West Palm Beach Police Department received FAA authorization to conduct Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations, expanding its ability to deploy drones safely and efficiently across the city.

The department also transitioned to an automated, dock-based deployment system. Two docks were initially installed at a location known as “the Hive,” followed by a third dock at a second location in October 2025. This expanded coverage and significantly reduced response times.

To safely operate within West Palm Beach’s complex airspace, the program uses radar-based aircraft detection and avoidance technology, enhancing situational awareness during every mission.

Since its 2024 relaunch, the Drone as a First Responder program has completed more than 4,200 flights, covering approximately 6,700 miles and 820 flight hours.

Drones can provide officers with critical information before they arrive, helping locate fleeing suspects, identify victims using thermal imaging and track suspect vehicles.

The program also supports the West Palm Beach Fire Department during fires and other major incidents. Aerial thermal and visual imagery helps incident commanders assess structural conditions, identify hot spots, monitor fire activity and support firefighter safety.

In 2025, the West Palm Beach Police Department received Skydio’s Aerial Achievement Award for Best New Drone as First Responder Program. The national recognition highlights the program’s innovation, operational excellence and impact on public safety.

To promote transparency, the West Palm Beach Police Department tracks all drone flights through integrated software systems. Flight logs are regularly updated and reviewed for accuracy.

Drone operators are prohibited from intentionally recording or transmitting images of places where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy, unless authorized by a judicial warrant or permitted under emergency circumstances.

Beginning in April 2024, WPBPD partnered with Airdata and Skydio to provide information on every flight by a WPBPD drone. Click here to access recent flight data

Unmanned Aircrafts Systems (UAS), or drone, is an aerial device with an onboard computer that is operated remotely – generally by a pilot on the ground – using a handheld controller. Small drones are battery operated, weigh less than 55 pounds, have several rotors like a helicopter, and are equipped with a video camera.

Photos and videos captured during drone missions are stored in Evidence.com, the same secure digital evidence management system WPBPD uses for body-worn camera recordings and other investigative evidence. Access is restricted to authorized personnel for official law-enforcement purposes. 

Recordings not associated with a crime or formal investigation are retained for 90 days. Recordings classified as evidence are preserved according to the retention requirements applicable to the related incident or investigation.

Photos and videos collected by WPBPD drones are stored in accordance with applicable evidence-retention requirements and department policy. Access is limited to authorized personnel for official law-enforcement purposes.

Drone recordings may be requested under Florida’s public-records laws. Each request is reviewed to determine whether any portion must be released, redacted or withheld. Recordings connected to an active criminal investigation may are exempt from public disclosure under the Florida Statutes Chapter 119, Public Records laws.

The intent of the DFR Program is to enhance WPBPD’s response to emergency calls for service. As such, drones are used during an active response to an emergency or other call for police assistance. WPBPD policy prohibits drone operators from intentionally recording or transmitting images of any location where a person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as inside private buildings, except where authorized by a warrant issued by a judge or in emergency situations.

No. Our drone data does not utilize the onboard software from the drone manufacturer. Our data is encrypted and is stored on US-based servers that meet federal requirements for confidential law enforcement databases.

In addition to the training and study required to maintain anFAA part 107 Remote Pilot License, all WPBPD UAS Team members train regularly in a variety of locations and settings to ensure operational efficiency. All training is documented, and the records are maintained by WPBPD and are subject to review by the FAA.

All WPBPD UAS pilots are subject to FAA regulations related to airspace use, and all must have a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License. UAS pilots are also subject to theWPBPD Policy on UAS Operations. (PDF, 289KB)

WPBPD uses drones to obtain real-time aerial information during certain incidents. Through the Drone as a First Responder program, drones can be deployed quickly to help officers assess a scene, identify potential hazards and determine what resources may be needed. This technology supports faster, safer and more informed emergency responses.

Drone as a First Responder (DFR) allows WPBPD to deploy a drone to certain emergency calls before officers or firefighters arrive.

A trained teleoperator remotely controls the drone and views its live video feed. The teleoperator can then provide responding personnel with real-time information about the scene, including potential hazards, people involved and resources that may be needed.

Authorized officers and fire personnel can also view the live video through a secure mobile application. This helps first responders better understand the situation, prepare an appropriate response and improve safety for both emergency personnel and the public.

WPBPD uses unmanned aircraft systems in circumstances that may include:

• Documenting crime and crash scenes

• Searching for missing or wanted persons

• Supporting emergency responses to fires

• Assessing damage after major incidents or natural disasters

• Providing real-time information to officers responding to calls for service

UAS deployments may occur throughout the city based on operational needs. Some of these deployments are conducted as part of WPBPD’s Drone as a First Responder program. Additional information about DFR operations is available in the FAQ above.