Drone First Responder (DFR) Pilot Project

Enhancing Community Safety Through Innovation

The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) is launching a Drone First Responder (DFR) pilot project to support faster, safer, and more informed emergency response across the region.

This innovative program deploys a remotely piloted drone to certain emergency calls, often arriving on scene in approximately 60 seconds. By providing early situational awareness, DFR helps first responders assess risks, plan effectively, and respond with greater safety for both the public and emergency personnel.

The DFR program is a time-limited pilot, operating only in designated areas and strictly in accordance with Transport Canada regulations, the approved Privacy Impact Assessment, and all applicable privacy laws.

Drone First Responder (DFR) Pilot Project
About the DFR Pilot Project

  • The DFR system launches a drone from a fixed location when an eligible 911 call or emergency incident occurs. Trained, certified pilots remotely operate the drone, guiding it to the scene to capture real‑time video that helps emergency responders understand what they’re walking into.

Drones offer rapid insight—often arriving before ground units or other resources. They help responders:

  • See hazards before approaching
  • Locate individuals in distress
  • Understand scene layout during complex incidents
  • Improve coordination between Police, Fire, and EMS
  • Enhance safety for everyone involved

The drones in the Drone First Responder (DFR) program are:

  • Not used for general surveillance
  • Not used for routine monitoring of the public
  • Not flown without a specific emergency or operational need
  • Not equipped with facial recognition or automated identification tools
  • Not equipped to record audio.

DRPS is committed to transparency and responsible technology use.

Privacy, Safety, and Accountability

Privacy

  • Video data is captured only when necessary for emergency response.
  • All data handling follows privacy law, internal policy, and the approved Privacy Impact Assessment.
  • Access to data is restricted, logged, and auditable.

Safety

  • Drones are flown by trained, certified pilots or controlled automated systems.
  • All flights comply with Transport Canada aviation regulations.
  • Drones are not flown in unsafe conditions and are designed to avoid interference with aircraft.
Governance & Oversight

  • DRPS governance
  • Transport Canada regulations
  • Privacy legislation
  • Internal accountability processes
  • Independent oversight (similar to other police operations)
When Is a Drone Deployed?

  • Missing persons
  • High risk or unknown risk calls
  • Large or complex scenes
  • Natural disasters
  • Situations where responders face increased risk
  • Major incidents requiring rapid situational awareness

Frequently Asked Questions on the DRF Pilot Project

FAQs

  • No. Drones are never used for general surveillance or routine monitoring. They are deployed only for specific emergency or operational incidents.

  • Any video captured is limited to what is necessary for emergency response and is handled under strict privacy laws and policy.

  • No. The DFR program does not use facial recognition or automated identification technologies.

  • No. The program is incident‑driven and comparable to dispatching a patrol unit or helicopter for a specific incident.

  • Only authorized personnel with legitimate operational, investigative, or accountability-related purposes.
  • Access is logged and auditable.

  • Data is kept only as long as required, following police data retention laws and privacy controls.

  • Safety is the top priority. Drones operate under strict aviation rules, are regularly maintained, and flown by certified pilots. They are not flown in unsafe conditions.

  • Only if there is a legitimate emergency—such as a missing person or public safety threat. They are not used for routine observation.

  • No. All flights comply with Transport Canada regulations and coordination requirements.

  • No. Drones support officers by providing information—they do not perform enforcement.

  • The program follows police governance, aviation rules, privacy legislation, internal accountability, and independent oversight.

  • Any misuse would be investigated and addressed like any other police system.

  • Yes. The public can contact DRPS through regular channels. Transparency is a core part of this pilot.

  • Funding comes from DRPS resources and innovation/research partnerships. This is a pilot being evaluated before any decision on expansion.

We welcome community feeback.

Have Questions?

Contact DRPS with questions, concerns, or comments about the DFR pilot project.

Contact Us

Durham Regional Police Service
605 Rossland Rd. E.,
Box 911, Whitby, ON
L1N 0B8

888-579-1520, press 0

webmaster@drps.ca (Please use this email for website feedback ONLY, NOT crime reporting)

Quick Escape