Public Safety Technology

Drone as First Responder, or DFR, is a public safety program that allows trained pilots to remotely deploy drones from designated locations in response to certain calls for service.

Unlike a tactical drone that is typically brought to an incident and launched after personnel arrive, a DFR drone is already positioned for deployment. It can be launched while deputies are responding and may reach the scene first.

The drone’s camera provides the pilot with an aerial view of the incident. Information from the drone can then be shared with responding personnel, helping them understand what is happening, identify potential hazards, locate people or vehicles, and determine what resources may be needed.

DFR is an information-gathering tool that supports a public safety response. It does not replace deputies or make enforcement decisions.

A drone, also known as an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), is an aircraft operated by a trained pilot from the ground. WCSO drones are equipped with cameras and other technology that can provide an aerial view during authorized public safety operations.

WCSO uses drones in two primary ways: tactical drones that can be brought to an incident and launched by personnel in the field, and DFR drones that are remotely deployed from designated locations.

A tactical drone is deployed by trained personnel at the scene of an incident. It gives deputies another vantage point and can help them gather information without immediately placing personnel in an area that may be difficult, dangerous, or otherwise challenging to access.

Tactical drones may be used during authorized public safety operations such as active criminal investigations, search and rescue missions, crash scene reconstruction, search warrants, and other emergency circumstances.

Both tactical drones and DFR provide aerial information that can support public safety operations. The primary difference is when and how they are deployed.

A tactical drone is typically brought to an incident and launched by responding personnel upon arrival. A DFR drone is positioned at a designated location and can be remotely launched while deputies are still responding.

That means DFR may provide information about an incident before deputies arrive, helping them make more informed decisions about how to respond.

Drones give deputies another way to gather information during public safety incidents. Depending on the circumstances, they can help personnel locate people, assess potential hazards, view areas that may be difficult or unsafe to access, support search and rescue operations, document scenes, and determine which resources may be needed.

DFR extends those capabilities by allowing a drone to be deployed earlier in a response, potentially providing critical information while deputies are still on their way.

A DFR drone may reach an incident before a patrol deputy. This can give responding personnel an early view of what is happening and help them make decisions while they are still on their way.

For example, a drone may help locate a person or vehicle, identify a potential hazard, or provide information about what resources are needed. In some circumstances, information from DFR may also help determine that a different response is appropriate.

DFR is not deployed to every call for service. Drone deployments must be for an authorized public safety purpose and comply with Oregon law and WCSO policy.

Examples of calls typically eligible for DFR deployment:

• Active criminal investigations
• Locating missing people
• Crash scenes
• Search warrants when authorized
• Exigent circumstances
• Training purposes

Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 837
WCSO Policy 809

No. DFR is used for authorized public safety purposes in accordance with Oregon law and WCSO policy. It is not used for general or random surveillance of neighborhoods.

WCSO’s use of drones is governed by Oregon law and WCSO policy, which establish when and how drones may be used. Drone deployments must have an authorized public safety purpose and be documented.

Video collected during a deployment is associated with a specific case or incident, or may be related to training. WCSO does not use drone flights to collect video unrelated to a public safety purpose.

WCSO Policy 809

Video captured during a drone deployment is associated with a specific case or incident and is managed in accordance with WCSO policy, applicable law, and established evidence-retention requirements.

Video captured during drone deployments is securely stored in Evidence.com, the same evidence management system WCSO uses for body-worn camera video. Drone video is associated with a specific case or incident and is managed in accordance with WCSO policy and applicable retention requirements.

Access is limited to authorized WCSO personnel. When appropriate, video may be shared for investigative or other authorized purposes in the same manner as other digital evidence.

DFR drones are operated by trained deputies and officers who have completed required training and hold a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

WCSO drone pilots also participate in ongoing training to maintain their skills and to operate drones safely and effectively in a public safety environment.

DFR drones are equipped with high-definition cameras, thermal imaging, red and blue emergency lights, and other technologies that can provide useful information during a public safety response.

The drones are also equipped with a parachute designed to ensure safe operation in certain emergencies.

WCSO drones are not armed and do not carry weapons.

WCSO currently operates DFR from a designated location in the Aloha area. The area was selected in part because of its population density, call volume, and proximity to major transportation routes, allowing the drone to quickly reach calls in the surrounding area.

As the program develops, WCSO may consider additional locations based on call volume, operational needs, program results, and available resources.

DFR currently operates during designated hours, including periods when call volume is typically higher.

Outside DFR operating hours, WCSO’s tactical drones remain available for authorized field deployments based on personnel and operational needs.

As the program develops, WCSO will continue to evaluate opportunities to expand DFR coverage.

No. DFR is a tool designed to support deputies and other public safety personnel. It can provide information that helps personnel better understand an incident, determine what resources may be needed, and make informed decisions about how to respond.

In some circumstances, the information provided by DFR may also help determine whether a different response is appropriate.

DFR is intended to help WCSO use personnel and resources more effectively — not replace deputies.

WCSO’s use of drones is governed by FAA regulations, Oregon law, and WCSO policy. Drone deployments are documented, and WCSO tracks program activity to evaluate how DFR is being used and its impact on public safety response.

WCSO also provides information about drone deployments through a public transparency dashboard.

View DFR Transparency Dashboard

Read WCSO Drone Policy

Yes. WCSO provides an online transparency dashboard where community members can view information about drone deployments.

View DFR Transparency Dashboard

WCSO drone pilots participate in community events and demonstrations where community members can see the technology and ask questions about its use.

Because the DFR Operations Center is a secure public safety facility, public access is restricted. WCSO is developing other ways for community members to learn more about how DFR operates.

Questions about WCSO’s drone program or Drone as First Responder can be emailed to [email protected].