The Normal Police Department (NPD) is pleased to announce the launch of its Drone as First Responder (DFR) Pilot Program, a new public safety initiative designed to enhance emergency response capabilities, improve officer and community safety, and provide valuable real-time information during critical incidents.
The DFR program allows specially equipped drones to respond to certain calls for police service, providing officers and emergency personnel with real-time aerial observations. This technology will assist responding officers in assessing situations before arriving on scene, allowing them to make more informed decisions and respond more safely and efficiently.
As part of this program, residents may occasionally notice a small drone flying overhead in response to an emergency or other legitimate public safety incident.
How the DFR Program Will Assist Public Safety
The DFR program is designed to support several important public safety functions, including:
Emergency Response: Assist officers responding to priority incidents such as burglaries in progress, traffic crashes, fights, missing persons, and other emergencies.
Officer and Community Safety: Provide responding officers with additional situational awareness, particularly during potentially dangerous or rapidly evolving incidents.
Search and Rescue: Utilize aerial cameras and thermal imaging technology to assist in locating missing or vulnerable individuals.
Resource Management: Help officers evaluate incidents and determine the appropriate personnel and resources needed.
Fire and EMS Assistance: Support fire and emergency medical personnel by providing additional information during fires, rescue operations, and other critical incidents.
Program Limitations and Privacy Protections
The Normal Police Department recognizes the importance of protecting individual privacy and maintaining public
trust. The DFR program is intended to serve as a response tool, not a routine surveillance program.
Drones will NOT be utilized for:
Routine traffic enforcement or parking violations.
Reading or automatically scanning license plates.
Random aerial patrols of neighborhoods to identify violations.
Routine surveillance of residents, businesses, or public gatherings.
Monitoring individuals without a legitimate and lawful public safety purpose.
All drone operations will be conducted in accordance with applicable federal and Illinois laws, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, and departmental policies.
Transparency and Community Information
As a pilot program, NPD will evaluate the effectiveness of drone technology in improving emergency response, enhancing public safety and supporting officers in the field. The department remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of this technology.
Community members interested in learning more about the program can access the Normal Police Department’s DFR Transparency Dashboard, which provides additional information regarding drone operations.
DFR Transparency Dashboard:
https://community.normal.il.us.aerodome.com/?page=1
The Normal Police Department remains committed to utilizing technology responsibly to better serve and protect the community. The DFR Pilot Program represents an additional resource to help officers respond to emergencies more effectively while maintaining the department’s commitment to public safety and community trust.
