Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) is launching its first-ever Drone as First Responder (DFR) pilot project, bringing innovative aviation technology directly into front-line emergency response.
The DFR system deploys remotely-piloted drones to certain emergency calls, often arriving on scene within approximately 60 seconds to provide first responders with immediate, real-time situational awareness.
It is one of the first DFR pilot projects in Canada.
This rapid-response capability allows officers to assess risks earlier, plan safer approaches, and coordinate more effectively before arriving on scene.
The pilot will be supported by drone dock sites strategically positioned throughout the region to provide continuous overlapping coverage.
Several launch locations are already fully prepared, with additional sites to come.
With the release of this pilot, Chief Peter Moreira emphasized DRPS’s commitment to responsible innovation, stating that the initiative “allows us to respond faster, see more, and make better informed decisions—while maintaining strong privacy protections and public transparency.”
All DFR operations comply with Transport Canada authorizations, the approved Privacy Impact Assessment, and all provincial and federal privacy legislation. The system:
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is not used for general surveillance
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does not use facial recognition or automated identification technology
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only launches for specific emergency or operational incidents, similar to dispatching a patrol unit or helicopter
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The DFR system is expected to support:
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unknown risk or high risk calls
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missing persons investigations
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large, complex, or evolving scenes
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natural disasters or sudden emergencies
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any situation where rapid aerial intelligence improves safety
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By providing real-time overhead views, the pilot strengthens responder preparedness and may reduce risk for both officers and the public.
