VIDEO: New ‘Drones As First Responder’ Program Coming to Dutchess County

Emergency response in Dutchess County is getting a new resource thanks to cutting-edge technology.

The way law enforcement agencies operate is constantly changing, and while TASER upgrades and new medical qualifications might seem like standard developments, a new announcement sounds like something from the future.

Professional Drone Use in the Hudson Valley

In addition to recreational use, drones have become increasingly involved in professional fields as well. While some New Yorkers have used them to impressively find lost animals, the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office plans to use them for even more pressing emergency responses.

Drone as First Responder Program Announced in Dutchess County, NY

"Sheriff Kirk Imperati announces the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, and the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office have launched the county’s first Drone as First Responder (DFR) program", read a recent social media post from the Sheriff's office (below).

Reasons for New Drone as First Responder Program in Dutchess County

The purpose of the program, the post explained, is faster assessment of emergency situations by "rapid aerial deployments" of drones that can arrive at the scene before human officers:

A key feature of the DFR program is its integration with local Computer Aided Dispatch Systems. This allows for immediate drone deployment by a pilot as a call is being processed. These [can] reduce response times and provide real-time intelligence to deputies and officers en route to a scene, enabling more informed decision-making and improved public safety.

Similar programs are already in use at other police departments across the country, with several companies manufacturing emergency response-specific "911 response drones" (below).

When Will the Drone as First Responder Program Be Used?

While the above company touts their drone's ability to respond to emergency medical situations (and even delivery emergency kits via a tether), another drone company focuses their branding on reposes to possible crimes (below).