@metrodetroitnews: Dearborn rolled out a full-scale Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, aimed at boosting police response times and improving public safety. The program uses Skydio drones launched from strategic locations across the city, allowing them to reach any incident within about 2.5 minutes. The drones provide real-time aerial video to officers responding to calls involving violent crimes, traffic crashes, missing persons, and property crimes. "This allows us to assess situations almost instantly when someone calls for help," said Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin. "It acts as a force multiplier by cutting response times and helping us deploy resources more effectively." The department says the technology will also support de-escalation efforts by allowing officers to evaluate potential threats before entering a scene, lowering the likelihood of force being used. Beyond policing, the drones will assist the city with infrastructure inspections, flood monitoring, illegal dumping investigations, and damage assessments after storms or fires. Flight data will be shared publicly through a dashboard as part of the department's transparency efforts. City officials say investments in advanced technology like DFR have contributed to year-over-year declines in violent crime and traffic-related injuries.

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Wednesday 04 February 2026 03:42:20 GMT