Drone Unit – Drone as First Responder (DFR) Program

The Lakewood Police Department is proud to introduce our cutting-edge Drone Unit, specializing in the Drone as First Responder (DFR) Program. This innovative unit leverages drone technology to enhance public safety, improve response times, and provide critical aerial support to our officers on the ground.

Our Drone Unit is at the forefront of modern policing, utilizing state-of-the-art unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to respond to active calls for service and conduct proactive patrols. The unit operates from the Drone Operations Control Center (DOCC), a mobile command vehicle stationed near the drone landing zone. Manned by two specially trained officers, the DOCC is equipped with advanced drone and communications technology to ensure seamless operations.

We are committed to leveraging technology to enhance public safety and serve the residents of Lakewood effectively. The Drone Unit represents our dedication to innovation, excellence, and community well-being.

The Drone Unit focuses on several key areas to support the safety and security of the Lakewood community:

Downtown Patrols: Conducting regular aerial surveillance in high-traffic areas to ensure public safety and deter criminal activity.

Response to Active Calls for Service: Deploying drones as first responders to provide live aerial views of incidents, enhancing situational awareness for officers arriving on the scene.

Area Security Checks: Performing scheduled patrols and surveillance to monitor for potential threats, including crowd control and traffic management during events.

Homeland Security Checks: Supporting federal and state initiatives by monitoring critical infrastructure and providing aerial data for security planning.

Aerial Surveillance And Patrol (ASAP): Proactively monitoring large areas to detect and deter criminal activity, assist in search-and-rescue missions, and provide real-time intelligence for tactical operations.

Benefits of the DFR Program

Faster Response Times: Drones can reach incident scenes within seconds, providing critical information to officers enroute.

Enhanced Safety: Real-time aerial views improve officer safety and decision-making during high-risk situations.

Cost Efficiency: Reducing the need for ground resources while maximizing coverage.

Community Trust: Strengthening public confidence through transparent and effective use of technology.