A new technology initiative in Florence is changing how police respond to emergencies, with the full rollout of a drone first responder program aimed at improving safety and response times.
Police Launch Drone First Responder Program
The Florence Police Department has now fully implemented its drone program, placing three drones across different parts of the city.
The rollout includes:
- One drone covering the city centre
- One on the west side
- One on the south side
These drones are designed to quickly reach scenes and provide real-time information to officers.
How the Drones Work
Officials say the drones are often the first to arrive at a scene, giving officers an aerial view before they get there.
Key features include:
- Travel range of 3 to 5 miles
- Ability to respond to both high-risk and low-risk calls
- Live video feed to assist officers
This helps police better understand situations before physically arriving.
Helping an Understaffed Department
The program comes at a time when the department is dealing with staffing shortages.
With around 50,000 calls for service last year and fewer officers available, the drones are helping reduce pressure on patrol units.
By using drones:
- Officers can prioritise calls more effectively
- Fewer physical units need to be dispatched immediately
- Resources are used more efficiently
Improving Safety and Response
Police say the drones are already making a difference in several ways:
- Providing early information during emergencies
- Helping track suspects who try to flee
- Assisting officers in planning safer approaches
For example, drones can follow suspects who run and hide, allowing officers to locate them quickly.
Addressing Privacy Concerns
Some residents have raised concerns about privacy. However, officials say the drones are only used during active calls.
According to police:
- Drones are not used to randomly monitor people
- They are deployed only where officers have legal authority
- Cameras are focused on incidents, not private property
