Bringing Aerial Situational Awareness to Emergency Response
The Addison Consolidated Dispatch Center (ACDC) Drone as First Responder (DFR) Program provides real-time aerial situational awareness to support emergency responders during qualifying calls for service.
Through the program, trained ACDC telecommunicators can remotely operate an unmanned aircraft system from the dispatch center to provide live aerial information during emergency incidents. By providing an aerial perspective while personnel are responding, the DFR program can help improve situational awareness and support informed decision-making.
The DFR Program is operated in partnership with the Addison Police Department and Addison Fire Protection District.
What Is a Drone as First Responder Program?
A Drone as First Responder program uses unmanned aircraft to provide public safety agencies with additional information during emergency calls for service.
Rather than waiting for personnel to arrive on scene before obtaining an aerial perspective, a remotely operated aircraft may be deployed to provide responders with real-time information while they are responding to an incident.
The information provided by the DFR program is intended to supplement traditional emergency response operations and assist responders in developing a clearer understanding of conditions at an incident.
ACDC Telecommunicator Pilots
One of the unique aspects of ACDC's DFR Program is that trained telecommunicators operate the aircraft directly from the dispatch center.
Telecommunicators are already responsible for gathering and relaying critical information during emergencies. The DFR Program expands those capabilities by providing trained personnel with an additional tool to support emergency responders during qualifying incidents.
ACDC telecommunicators selected to participate in the program receive specialized training before operating the aircraft. Training includes applicable Federal Aviation Administration requirements, aircraft operations, program procedures, safety practices, and hands-on instruction.
Supporting Emergency Responders
The DFR Program can provide an aerial perspective that may assist responders with evaluating conditions before and during an incident.
Depending on the circumstances, real-time aerial information may help responders:
- Assess the size and scope of an incident
- Observe conditions from a safe aerial perspective
- Identify potential hazards or areas of concern
- Improve situational awareness while responding
- Provide additional information to personnel on the ground
The DFR aircraft is an additional resource available to public safety personnel and is used to support, not replace, personnel responding to an incident.
Fire Response and Size-Up
A primary application of the ACDC DFR Program is supporting fire department response.
During qualifying fire-related calls for service, the aircraft may be deployed to provide responding personnel with an aerial view of the incident. This can provide valuable information regarding the size and scope of an incident, conditions surrounding the location, and other factors that may assist with an initial size-up.
Providing this information while fire personnel are responding can help give incident commanders and responding personnel additional situational awareness before arriving on scene.
Technology Supporting Public Safety
The DFR Program uses remotely operated unmanned aircraft technology to provide real-time information to ACDC and responding public safety agencies.
The aircraft is operated remotely by trained and authorized personnel in accordance with established procedures and applicable laws and regulations.
Technology continues to provide public safety agencies with new ways to improve communication and situational awareness. The DFR Program represents ACDC's continued commitment to responsibly evaluating and implementing technology that supports the safety of both the community and emergency responders.
Training, Safety, and Responsible Operations
Safety and responsible operations are fundamental to the ACDC DFR Program.
Personnel authorized to operate the aircraft complete specialized training and must demonstrate proficiency with the aircraft and program procedures before participating in operational deployments.
ACDC's program incorporates:
- Applicable FAA certification and operational requirements
- Specialized aircraft and remote operations training
- Hands-on flight instruction
- Operational and safety procedures
- Continued training and proficiency requirements
- Established policies governing the use of the aircraft
- Compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws
All DFR operations are conducted in accordance with applicable Federal Aviation Administration requirements, Illinois law, ACDC policies and procedures, and other applicable regulations.
Legal Compliance and Privacy
ACDC is committed to operating its Drone First Responder Program responsibly and in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
The program is operated consistent with Illinois law governing the use of unmanned aircraft by public safety agencies, including the Illinois Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act and applicable provisions of the Drones as First Responders Act.
Illinois law establishes requirements and limitations regarding the use of drones by law enforcement agencies and includes specific provisions addressing certain Public Safety Answering Point dispatched calls for service. ACDC's policies and operational procedures are designed to ensure that DFR operations are conducted within applicable legal authority and for legitimate public safety purposes.
The DFR Program is intended to support qualifying emergency calls for service and emergency response operations. It is not intended to be used for routine or indiscriminate surveillance of the public.
ACDC is committed to respecting individual privacy and constitutional rights while using technology to support public safety and emergency response.
Privacy and Responsible Use
The DFR Program is designed to provide emergency responders with additional situational awareness during qualifying calls for service.
The aircraft is not used for routine surveillance of individuals, neighborhoods, or lawful activities. DFR operations are conducted for authorized public safety and emergency response purposes in accordance with applicable law and established ACDC policies and procedures.
ACDC recognizes that the responsible use of unmanned aircraft technology requires appropriate safeguards and accountability. The program is operated with consideration for privacy, civil liberties, and the legal limitations governing the use of drones.
Information collected during DFR operations is handled in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and established policies regarding the collection, retention, use, and disclosure of information.
ACDC will continue to review its policies and procedures as technology, operational needs, and applicable laws evolve.
Working Together
The DFR Program is made possible through collaboration between ACDC, the Addison Police Department, and the Addison Fire Protection District.
By integrating aerial technology into the emergency response process, the agencies can work together to provide responders with additional information when it may be needed most.
ACDC remains committed to supporting the communities and responders we serve by exploring responsible and innovative ways to enhance public safety communications and emergency response.
A Commitment to Innovation and Public Safety
ACDC's mission is to provide superior service while supporting the needs and safety of the communities and responders we serve.
The Drone First Responder Program is one example of how ACDC is responsibly using technology to support emergency response. By combining the skills of trained telecommunicators with advanced unmanned aircraft technology, the program provides another resource to help responders make informed decisions during critical incidents.
ACDC remains committed to responsible operations, ongoing training, legal compliance, privacy considerations, and collaboration with our public safety partners as the program continues to develop.
Answering the Call, Protecting the Community.