NYC launches drone program for faster emergency response

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has introduced the city’s new “Drone as First Responder” (DFR) program, aimed at transforming emergency response times and enhancing public safety. With drones now integrated into the NYPD’s operations, officials hope to reduce response times, improve police safety, and bolster the effectiveness of crime-fighting efforts.

“This is technology we’re going to use and not abuse,” Mayor Adams stated, underscoring the administration’s intention to ensure the program’s ethical use. Drones will now serve as a primary responder in emergencies, quickly providing an overhead view of incidents before officers arrive on the ground.

Since the program’s inception in June, drones have responded to over 2,300 service calls, according to NYPD Commissioner Thomas Donlon. In one instance, the DFR program allowed officers to locate a young child in immediate danger on a ledge within minutes.

The program is currently operational in precincts across three boroughs, including high-profile areas such as Central Park. As Commissioner Donlon highlighted, “Today, our Drone as First Responder program is the next step in that tradition,” emphasizing that the NYPD’s embrace of new technology continues to prioritize public safety.