US cities weigh Flock drone first-responder plans
Flock's Drones-as-First-Responder system is being tested in several US cities, while Berkeley, Bridgeport and Middletown have rejected proposals.
Several US towns and cities are experimenting with a system from Flock that sends remotely operated drones to emergency calls, launching them automatically from rooftop docks. The drones are tied into emergency services systems and can be dispatched in response to 911 calls, license-plate reader notifications, or gunshot-detection alerts, streaming live footage to dispatchers and officers in the field.
Cities considering, piloting, or contracted for the Drones-as-First-Responder (DFR) system include Fort Worth, Castle Rock, Dunwoody, Fulton County, and Middletown, according to Tom's Hardware.
Fort Worth said that during a two-month pilot, the drone was deployed to 162 emergency 911 calls with an average response time of 112 seconds. It was the first unit to arrive in 76 of those calls, and authorities cleared 11 without sending officers to the scene. The city said the drones only respond to calls and do not patrol, and that their cameras point at the horizon until reaching a scene.
Not every city has moved forward. Berkeley rejected a $2-million proposal to expand its license-plate cameras to include drones, more cameras, and software. Bridgeport rejected a $500,000 lease for two DFR drones. Middletown approved a trial earlier this year, but its mayor declined to sign the contract.
Common reasons for the refusals include privacy concerns and fears that data could be shared with or accessed by federal authorities without a warrant. Flock claims it does not work with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Flock initially gained the drone capability when it purchased drone firm Aerodome. The company has recently been surrounded by controversy over misuse of its system and an apparent lack of security, though it maintains it has never suffered a data breach.
Quick answers
What is Flock's Drones-as-First-Responder system?
It uses remotely operated drones that launch automatically from rooftop docks and are integrated into emergency services systems. They can be dispatched in response to 911 calls, license-plate reader notifications, or gunshot-detection alerts, and stream live footage to dispatchers and officers.
How did the drones perform in Fort Worth's pilot?
During a two-month pilot, the drone was deployed to 162 emergency 911 calls with an average response time of 112 seconds. It was the first unit to arrive in 76 of those calls, and authorities cleared 11 without sending officers to the scene.
Why have some cities rejected the drone proposals?
Berkeley rejected a $2-million proposal, Bridgeport rejected a $500,000 lease for two drones, and Middletown's mayor declined to sign a contract after the city approved a trial. Common reasons include privacy concerns and fears that data could be shared with or accessed by federal authorities without a warrant.