Here’s How Evansville’s New Police Drone Program Works

When someone calls 911 in Evansville, a police drone may soon arrive before an officer does.

The Evansville Police Department has announced the launch of its new Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, a one-year pilot project that will use drones to quickly assess certain emergency calls before officers reach the scene.

According to the EPD, the drones can be launched within seconds of a qualifying 911 call and can provide an aerial view of an incident in as little as 70 seconds, giving responding officers more information before they arrive.

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How the Program Works

The Drone as First Responder program isn't designed to replace police officers.

Instead, specially equipped drones are dispatched to certain emergency calls after a 911 call is evaluated. The drone streams live video back to a trained, FAA-certified pilot, who relays information to officers responding on the ground.

The drones launch from a weatherproof docking station at the Civic Center Complex and return to that station once the mission is complete.

According to EPD, the program is intended to improve situational awareness during incidents such as:

• Fires
• Traffic crashes
• Welfare checks
• Other qualifying emergency calls

The department says the additional information can help officers determine what they're responding to before arriving on scene.

Read More: What Are the New Cameras Popping Up Around Evansville

Indoor and Outdoor Drones

The new fleet includes two different types of drones.

A BRINC Responder drone will handle outdoor response calls, while a BRINC LEMUR 2 is designed for indoor use.

The indoor drone can enter buildings and navigate confined spaces, allowing officers to assess potentially dangerous situations without immediately sending people inside.

Both drone models are equipped with zoom cameras and thermal imaging technology that can assist in locating missing people or identifying hazards day or night.

EPD says the drones:

• Are not used for random or continuous neighborhood surveillance.
• Do not fly pre-programmed patrol routes looking for violations.
• Are not equipped with facial recognition software.
• Will only fly in response to specific 911 calls or authorized incidents.

The department also says the drones will not hover over or record private homes or backyards beyond what is necessary to respond to the call.

A One-Year Pilot Program

The Drone as First Responder program is launching as a free one-year pilot program in partnership with Motorola Solutions and BRINC.

Police Chief Philip Smith said the goal is to reduce response times, improve officer safety, and give first responders better information before arriving at emergency scenes.

Mayor Stephanie Terry said the program reflects the city's efforts to use technology that helps first responders serve the community safely and effectively.

The pilot program will begin this summer and continue through Summer 2027 before any long-term decisions are made.