CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Police Department has announced a new initiative aimed at enhancing emergency response times through the deployment of drones. The Drone as First Responder (DFR) program is set to significantly alter how the police handle calls for assistance, with Chief Teresa Theetge emphasizing its potential to improve safety for both officers and the community.
“This is a game-changing, life-saving, future-defining technology,” Theetge stated during the announcement. The program will see drones dispatched to emergency scenes almost immediately upon receiving a 911 call. By providing real-time aerial footage and important situational awareness, the drones will help assess risks and manage resources more efficiently prior to the arrival of police officers.
The initial roll-out of the DFR program will cover approximately 40% of Cincinnati, including neighborhoods such as Price Hill, Over-the-Rhine (OTR), Downtown, and Northside, with ambitious plans to expand coverage to 90% by the end of 2025. Chief Theetge explained that the use of drones could significantly cut down response times, especially in scenarios where incidents are reported inaccurately or from distant locations.
Sgt. Jay Kemme, a certified drone pilot within the department, expressed optimism about the program. “I think we can help with anything,” he remarked, highlighting the benefit of drones in rapidly locating incidents, such as car crashes that may occur miles away from their reported locations.
Cincinnati’s DFR program is notable as it aims to leverage a comprehensive software ecosystem from companies Skydio and Axon, marking it as the largest DFR deployment not just in Ohio but throughout the Midwest. This technological investment positions Cincinnati at the forefront of public safety innovation.
Importantly, Chief Theetge assured the public that the drones will not be employed for random surveillance but strictly for responding to dispatched service calls.
As the program unfolds, the Cincinnati Police Department is committed to facilitating public understanding and engagement. For community inquiries, WCPO 9 News has encouraged residents to reach out directly to reporter Alex Null for answers regarding the technology and its applications in improving crime response in the city.
With this progressive approach, Cincinnati is striving to enhance public safety while adapting to advancements in policing technology, paving the way for a cohesive future between law enforcement and the communities they serve.