The Fresno Police Department launched a Drone as First Responder programme on 16 April 2026, dispatching autonomous drones equipped with infrared and night vision to emergency scenes ahead of officers. Police Chief Mindy Casto stated the drones can clear calls without a ground unit ever responding, and the department expects reduced officer risk and faster response times. The programme follows established models in Chula Vista, Lakewood and Philadelphia, where DFR drones have cut median response times to below four minutes for priority incidents. Community advocates in Fresno have raised concerns about autonomous aerial surveillance in residential areas without a published policy on data retention, footage access or civilian oversight. Fresno is the latest in a large and expanding set of US agencies to adopt DFR technology in 2026 as the market consolidates around Axon/Skydio and Flock Safety.
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Saturday, April 18, 2026