HPD launches drone first responder pilot program

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Honolulu Police Department is launching a new pilot program Wednesday that will allow drones to respond to certain 911 calls before officers arrive.

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The Drone as First Responder (DFR) program is being launched in partnership with the Hawaii State Department of Law Enforcement and is aimed at improving response times, officer safety and situational awareness.

HPD said preliminary testing showed drones could respond to incidents in the Honolulu area in as little as 30 seconds.

“As technology evolves, we have a responsibility to thoughtfully embrace innovations that improve public safety,” Police Chief David Lazar said. “Drone technology is one of those tools.”

Police said drones could be used for:

HPD emphasized that the drones will only be deployed in response to 911 calls or direct requests from officers. They will not be used for random surveillance, intelligence gathering, or monitoring without a specific mission.

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“The camera of a deployed drone can immediately determine if the person has a weapon while also capturing the person’s physical description and specific location in live-mode,” Department of Law Enforcement Director Mike Lambert said.

During the first phase of the pilot, FAA-certified HPD pilots will operate the drones from the department’s Alapai headquarters.

The service area will initially cover

HPD said it will review operational results, community feedback, and public safety needs before deciding whether to expand the program island wide.

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For more information about HPD’s DFR program, visit www.HonoluluPD.org/DFR.