New Drone as First Responder program intended to speed police response and information gathering
The Red Deer RCMP has introduced a Drone as First Responder (DFR) program that sends remotely piloted aircraft to certain calls before officers reach a scene. The force says the initiative, which began on June 18, is the first of its kind in Canada and is intended to provide real‑time information to help allocate appropriate resources and enhance public safety.
The program operates Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with drones launching from the north and south Red Deer detachments. Pilots control the aircraft from on‑site control centres at each detachment and can remain on the phone with the person who placed the call while the drone is airborne. Police say that continuous communication allows crews to gather more information and keep callers updated as the situation evolves.
- Launch date: June 18
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Launch sites: north and south Red Deer RCMP detachments
Red Deer RCMP said the DFR program was developed with several partners, including Red Deer Municipal Policing Services, Red Deer Emergency Services and K Division RCMP Air Services. Drones have been used in town since 2020 under a different model — the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) program — in which officers transport the drones to scenes themselves. RCMP officials say RPAS will continue to operate alongside DFR.
“This is a prime example of how the DFR can provide updated and essential information to responding officers, as well as increase public safety,”
Staff Sergeant Jay Jestings made that comment after police described early examples of DFR use. During its first week, a drone was deployed to an assault complaint where the suspect fled on foot; pilots were able to track the person from the air and police report the arrest was made safely. In another incident, a drone responded to a weapons complaint and could show there was no weapon and no risk to the public, according to RCMP.
Superintendent Holly Glassford said the work grew from a May 2024 test project by K Division RCMP Air Services. In May, she said having a drone at a scene before personnel arrive allows for a real‑time analysis that supports decision‑making about resource allocation.
| Program | Status |
|---|---|
| DFR (Drone as First Responder) | Launched June 18; active weekdays 8–4 |
| RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) | In operation since 2020; continues alongside DFR |
Police emphasise DFR is a team endeavour built with local and provincial partners. The direct line between pilot and caller is a central feature, intended to improve situational awareness for both the public and responding officers. RCMP say the new approach has already been used during Canada Day and other calls, and they characterised early deployments as enhancing officer safety and community assurance.
As the program continues, residents can expect drone deployments during daytime weekday hours for selected incidents. RCMP have not announced plans to expand DFR hours or change operating parameters beyond the current schedule.
