Fresno Police Department launches its 'Drone as First Responder' program

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- On Wednesday, Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto announced the department's "Drone as First Responder" program.

"For years, our police officers know they need to see the unseen and know the unknown to help keep themselves and the community safer," said Chief Casto.

Fresno Police have utilized conventional drones in the fight against crime since 2019 but says this program goes a step further.

''They are able to identify critical officer safety issues, what is going on the ground, whether there are individuals armed, armed with what they are wearing, vehicles that are involved or injured person that we can get an ambulance on the way for," said Chief Casto.

Fresno Police unveiled its fleet of three American-made Skydio X-10 drones placed at the northeast and northwest districts, as well as its headquarters in downtown Fresno.

They demonstrated the span of coverage from its drone stationed in downtown during Wednesday's press conference.

"It helps us to arrive first on scene with calls for service within seconds, and that's before ground units can ever arrive," said Chief Casto.

Neighboring Clovis Police is expanding its drone first-responder program. It plans to replace an existing Brinc Responder drone with an updated model next Spring. That upgrade will bring its fleet to three.

Since launching last June, Lt. Joshua Richards has overseen the program and says these drones are a game-changer in law enforcement missions.

"If we have someone who needs Narcan, we can put an AED in it; somebody is using it to put life vests in, it's going to change the way we operate," said Lt. Richards.

The technology featured in the Fresno Police's "Drone as First Responder" program is able to locate missing persons, suspects or vehicles.

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