Community meeting tomorrow night. Please join us in a discussion about the possibility of a Drone as First Responder Program.

Please see the original message below about the proposed Drone as First Responder Program. We will be hosting a community meeting tomorrow night and following a short presentation, we hope to have an engaging discussion with our community members and answer questions about the exciting new technology. We hope to see you there!
 

**Original Message**

SRPD to host community meeting regarding possible Drone as First Responder Program, Jan. 22, 2025

The Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) is considering enhancing the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) with a new crime and natural disaster response program known as Drone as First Responder, and we would like to hear from the community. A Drone as First Responder (DFR) program involves using drones to provide immediate assistance in emergencies, often before traditional first responders (such as paramedics, firefighters, or police) can reach the scene. In these programs, drones are deployed quickly to assess situations, gather real-time data, and provide aerial views of emergency scenes, which helps inform the response and decision-making processes.  

A DFR program would be funded by funds allocated specifically to support programs and initiatives aimed at preventing or reducing crime. No money from the general fund would be used to support this proposed program. 

DFR programs offer numerous benefits to communities, improving emergency response times and outcomes in critical situations. Here’s how they help: 

1. Faster Response Times 

Drones can reach emergency scenes much quicker than traditional ground-based first responders. In many cases, drones can be deployed within minutes of receiving an emergency call. They can cover large areas quickly, even in difficult terrain or traffic congestion, which is especially beneficial in rural or densely populated urban areas. 

2. Enhanced Situational Awareness 

Drones equipped with cameras, thermal sensors, and other advanced technology provide first responders with real-time video and data of the emergency scene. This gives emergency services crucial information before they arrive, allowing them to assess the situation more accurately. For example, they can determine if there are fires, hazardous materials, or victims in need of immediate attention, allowing for better decision-making and allocation of resources. 

3. Access to Remote or Hard-to-Reach Areas 

In cases like natural disasters, wilderness rescues, or accidents in difficult-to-access locations, drones can provide valuable access where traditional emergency responders may struggle. They can fly over areas that are otherwise unreachable, such as rough terrain, flooded regions, or collapsed buildings. 

4. Resource Efficiency 

Drones can act as force multipliers for emergency services. By providing an aerial overview and valuable data, they reduce the need for responders to spend time gathering information from the ground, allowing them to focus on direct action. This can also help avoid unnecessary risks, as drones can assess dangerous or unstable environments without putting personnel or community members at risk. Drones can also be used to reduce the number of officers sent to a call for service by providing real-time aerial surveillance and situational awareness. By quickly assessing the situation from above, dispatchers can make more informed decisions, potentially sending fewer officers or directing specialized units, thus optimizing resource allocation and reducing unnecessary deployments. 

5. Cost-Effective 

Utilizing drones for initial assessments or during routine emergency calls can reduce operational costs for emergency services. Drones are often less expensive to operate compared to helicopters or other vehicles, and their ability to quickly gather important information can reduce the need for additional resources at the scene. 

6. Improved Communication 

Drones can relay live footage directly to incident command centers, allowing dispatchers and first responders to stay updated on evolving situations. This enhances coordination between teams on the ground and ensures that the right resources are dispatched promptly, potentially saving lives. 

7. Aid in Search and Rescue Operations 

Drones can be equipped with thermal cameras, allowing them to locate missing persons, victims of accidents, or even people trapped in hazardous situations, day or night. This is especially helpful in urban search and rescue operations or in areas where visibility is limited. 

8. Data Collection for Post-Incident Analysis 

After an emergency, drones can help in collecting data for post-incident analysis and reporting. This data is valuable for improving future responses, training, and investigations. It can also assist in documenting the scene for legal or insurance purposes. 

9. Public Safety 

Drones can be used proactively for monitoring high-risk events or locations (e.g., crowded festivals or sports events) to detect hazards, track crowds, and quickly respond to emergencies like fires, medical incidents, or accidents, ensuring public safety. 

Drone as First Responder programs provide communities with faster, more efficient, and safer emergency responses, which ultimately leads to better crisis outcomes and enhanced overall public safety. 

The Santa Rosa Police Department is offering two opportunities for the public to learn more, comment, and ask questions about the Drone as First Responder program: 

1. SRPD Drone as First Responder Informational Community Meeting 

Wednesday, January 22, 2025 

6:00 pm to 8:00 pm 

City of Santa Rosa Utilities Field Operations Building 

35 Stony Point Road, Santa Rosa 

2. Public Safety Subcommittee Meeting 

Tuesday, January 28, 2025 

9:00 am 

City Hall, Council Chamber 

100 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa  

Media inquiries can be made to Sgt. Patricia Seffens, Public Information Officer, at 707-543-3634 or pseffens@srcity.org.