By Joanna Putman
Police1
NEW YORK — The NYPD’s Drone as First Responder program is expanding to equip some police vehicles with drones, allowing officers to deploy them directly from patrol cars as needed, PIX11 reported.
This initiative, now in its third phase, builds on the department’s existing use of drones to respond to 911 calls, emergency situations and to monitor high-crime areas, according to the report.
Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry told PIX11 drones will soon arrive at emergency scenes simultaneously with police vehicles, such as in cases of reported gunfire or assaults. Since its launch in May, the program has been deployed in precincts with higher violent crime rates.
When a 911 call is made, it is relayed to both police dispatch and drone operators in the Joint Operations Center to enable rapid aerial support, according to the report.
Daughtry shared long-term plans for drones to assist in medical emergencies. In cases like drug overdoses or cardiac incidents in locations such as Central Park, drones could potentially deliver Narcan or an automated external defibrillator (AED) to the scene before EMS arrives.
In the next phase, officers pursuing suspects on foot into areas like wooded zones or concealed spaces will be able to deploy drones directly from their vehicles to enhance situational awareness, according to the report. Daughtry said the drones, launched by the Joint Operations Center at One Police Plaza, will provide an aerial tactical view to assist in searches and other law enforcement activities.
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