The program consists of two prepositioned unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) located at Chattanooga Fire Department Stations 4 and 9, at 2181 Curtis Street and 3250 8th Avenue, respectively. These dock locations were selected based on crime data identifying areas where violent crime most frequently occurred.
When a 911 or police-generated call for service occurs, the UAS is launched by a police officer located in the CPD Real Time Intelligence Center (RTIC) at 3410 Amnicola Highway and flies to the scene of the call. Once on scene, the drone transmits live video to responding officers, operators, and incident commanders. If officers still need to respond, the UAS will stay over the scene until the call is stabilized, at which time the UAS will return to the launch/landing location. The drones are not used for routine patrols or general surveillance. CPD has authorization from the FAA to operate these platforms up to a 3-mile radius from the docks.
“Technology like our Drone First Responder pilot program serves as a force multiplier, providing officers critical information before they arrive on scene and helping them respond more safely and effectively,” said Chief John Chambers. “This program is also a great example of the partnership between the police and fire departments, working together to assess critical incident scenes, search for missing persons, support disaster response, and other operations where preservation of life is a priority.”
Four city council districts are within the two-mile flight radius of the two fire stations. Those four council members, Dennis Clark, Raquetta Dotley, Ron Elliott, and Marvene Noel are aware that the drones are operating in their respective areas and their purpose. Other outreach and education efforts have been made through community groups, neighborhood associations, Community Police Interaction Committee meetings, and Community Police Academy.
CPD’s Unmanned Aircraft System policy prohibits the department and its officers from using drones for general surveillance, harassing individuals or groups, or conducting business not law enforcement-generated or affiliated. Every deployment is governed by federal regulations, department policy, and publicly reported.
An online dashboard provides information on CPD’s DFR pilot program including flight maps, duration, call types, and date/time. Data obtained by the UAS shall be retained in accordance with CPD policies: OPS-63, Digital Recording Systems and SOP-22, Digital Evidence.
The DFR drones and associated equipment are manufactured by BRINC, an American technology company specializing in drones and software for public safety and emergency response.
Officer training and DFR test flights began in late April and the pilot program is now fully operational. Flight data and detailed information about the DFR pilot program can be found on the Drone First Responder page on chattanooga.gov.
