On Tuesday, April 21, Bettendorf City Council approved a resolution authorizing Bettendorf Police Department to purchase two Drone First Responder (DFR) units, a news release says.
These drones will serve as rapid-response aerial resources, allowing officers and firefighters to assess emergency situations more quickly and make informed decisions before arriving on scene, the release says.
Drone First Responders (DFRS) are unmanned aircraft systems equipped with high-quality cameras and specialized software that enable them to respond rapidly to certain types of 911 calls. When a qualifying call is received by dispatchers, first responders can launch the drone autonomously from its base and arrive at the scene, often within minutes, providing real-time video to responding first responders.
“DFR programs are increasingly used nationwide to improve response times, enhance the safety of first responders, and provide greater situational awareness during critical incidents,” said Chief Doug Scott.
The DFRs will operate at about 200 feet altitude and will be capable of responding anywhere
in the city. Software connected to the 911 system will automatically notify BPD when certain call types occur and may authorize the drone to launch.