DSLRPros Launches Drone as a First Responder (DFR) 2.0 Program

When Chula Vista Police Department began its DFR program in California back in 2018, it showed how drones could be deployed within seconds of a 911 call, providing aerial views and crucial data before ground units could arrive. This enhanced situational awareness, improved safety for both officers and the public, and significantly cut down response times – and the model inspired a variety of DFR initiatives across the United States and globally, extending to countries like Mexico, Canada, the UK, Europe, and Australia.

As emergency drone response programs continued to evolve and expand their capabilities with better camera technology and even the ability to operate beyond visual line of sight, one key feature was conspicuously missing: autonomous navigation. And now, it’s here.

DSLRPros has unveiled DFR 2.0, a hardware-focused approach that enables law enforcement agencies to implement automated drone flights without the need for extensive personnel resources, complete with remote pilot services to scale your department's operations. Whether you're looking to fully manage the drone in-house or require occasional support, DFR 2.0 gives you solutions that can be managed within your existing command structure.

DFR 2.0 Program Overview

Our program offers a complete hardware set tailored for drone-powered emergency handling. At the core of DFR 2.0 is the DJI Dock 2. This docking station is designed to auto-charge and deploy your drones, ensuring they're always prepped and ready to fly at a moment's notice. To prevent collisions with other aircraft, we've included a ground-based Detect-and-Avoid (DAA) system – which also takes away the need to have a person physically observing the area.  Plus, the integrated drone flight and management software allows for seamless real-time video streaming and data management, helping you stay aware and informed with advanced mapping technologies. 

Ground-based Detect-and-Avoid system

● Capabilities: Offers 360° optical detection, classification, and alerting of various aircraft types, integrating seamlessly with existing situational awareness tools for enhanced security.

● Detection Range: Effective single-node maximum range of 3024 meters and an average range of 2126 meters.

● Dimensions and Weight: Each unit measures 14″ L x 11.5″ W x 6″ H and weighs 4 kg, making it portable and easy to install.

● Power Requirements: 12-36V, 65W nominal, 70W peak, designed for efficiency and endurance in field operations.

● Operating Temperature Range: Functional from -10ºC to 50ºC, adaptable to diverse climatic conditions.

● Additional Features: Does not require FCC approval for operation and has been validated by the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) at an FAA-designated UAS Test Site, ensuring compliance and reliability.

Software

The DFR 2 system merges the powerful features of FlyTBase and DroneSense UAV management solutions, bringing together the best of both platforms to enhance your emergency response operations. This combination provides real-time video feeds, including thermal imaging for night drone missions, directly to your command center. You can securely share these live video feeds with stakeholders to ensure coordinated responses and enhance situational awareness throughout the duration of any mission.

The system supports detailed mission planning, allowing you to set and execute pre-planned flight paths while automatically logging crucial flight data and mission parameters to streamline your operations. Quick navigation and precise control are at your fingertips with features which let you dispatch drones to specific GPS locations swiftly and monitor their status in real-time. All mission data is securely managed, both locally and in the cloud, to support thorough post-mission analysis and reporting. 

Why DFR 2.0? Benefits For Police Drone Operations

● Autonomy Over Dependency: Unlike traditional models that require constant pilot oversight, DFR 2.0’s hardware setup with the DJI Dock 2 and DAA System facilitates complete autonomous operation. This shift minimizes the need for on-ground personnel, reducing operational costs and response times.

● Scalability and Flexibility: DFR 2.0 is designed to grow with your agency. The modular nature of our system, including optional remote pilot services and scalable software solutions, means that as your operational needs evolve, you can expand your police drone program without requiring a complete overhaul or large upfront investments in personnel or training.

● Regulatory Compliance & Data Security: DFR 2.0 ensures the safety of both the public and agency personnel during drone operations with its advanced detect-and-avoid technology, including with Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. This enhances the operational capabilities and ensures compliance with FAA regulations, making it easier for agencies to integrate drones into their daily operations. And you get to choose between on-site or US server storage for your drone data, all of which is encrypted to prevent any unauthorized external access, ensuring total data security.

Who Is The DFR 2.0 Program Best For?

The Drone as a First Responder 2.0 provides the tools needed to respond more effectively to a variety of public safety challenges through:

● Law Enforcement Agencies: Quick deployment and high mobility make the DFR 2.0 ideal for urban policing where rapid response and aerial perspectives are critical. Live streaming functionality, video sharing, and integration with existing GIS systems allow for real-time situational awareness, crucial for coordinating ground units and making informed decisions quickly. Large public events can be monitored more effectively with our drones, utilizing crowd control and surveillance capabilities. The drones are also essential for crime scene analysis and evidence collection with their secure data capture.

● Private Security Firms: The advanced surveillance capabilities provided by our DFR 2.0 system make it an ideal solution for monitoring the perimeter of large industrial areas, commercial properties, and private events. The autonomous operation enabled by DJI Dock 2 and the Ground-based DAA System allows for continuous aerial monitoring without the need for constant manual control, ensuring comprehensive coverage and rapid response to perimeter breaches.

In situations requiring immediate security intervention, such as intrusions or emergencies within secured premises that require immediate security intervention, our drones can be deployed instantly to assess the situation. With high-quality camera drones and secure data storage, the DFR 2.0 system can record and archive footage of all incidents, providing valuable documentation for legal proceedings and liability protection.

Read more about DFR programs in the U.S: How Police Drones Help Keep Communities Safe Across America

Pricing and Packages

DFR 2.0 Hardware and Software packages have been structured to offer comprehensive solutions that meet various operational needs, from essential setups to fully equipped units, ensuring that every agency can find a package that fits their requirements and budget - like with the DJI Dock 2 + Matrice 3TD + DJI Care Enterprise Plus bundle that is available for $16,599 per year, or the DroneSense Class 2/DFR 2.0 Bundle set at $8,970 annually.

You can also opt to purchase the equipment or get it through leasing packages, adjustable based on the number of drones and operational sites. These costs are amortized over a 6-month period and integrated into the lease pricing, offering a cost-effective solution for departments to leverage advanced drone technology without a significant upfront investment. Personnel costs are flexible as well, calculated based on the duration of shifts required, thus ensuring that the program is both economically viable and operationally efficient.

For instance, you can use the leasing route to get the DJI Dock 2 at $20,000, and the Ground-based DAA System at $25,000—each cost spread out to ease financial pressure. Additional software and regulatory costs amount to $10,000. Remote drone pilots can be hired at $60 per hour, with shifts adjustable to 8, 12, or 24 hours to accommodate varying operational needs. 

Deploying The DFR 2.0 System To Your Operations

Here’s how we ensure a smooth transition and integration of this autonomous drone program into your systems:

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Customization

● Needs Assessment: We begin by understanding your agency's specific needs and challenges to tailor the DFR 2.0 solutions effectively.

● System Customization: Depending on your operational requirements and preferences, we can adjust hardware and software configurations from leading brands.

Step 2: Hardware Installation and Software Integration

● Installing of DJI Dock 2 and Ground-based DAA System: Our team provides on-site installation of the docking stations and detect-and-avoid systems, ensuring they are optimally placed for effective coverage and functionality.

● Software Setup: DroneSense and FlyTBase are integrated into your existing systems, with full setup and configuration managed by our technical specialists.

Step 3: Training and Hands-On Workshops 

● Operational Training: Detailed training sessions for your drone operators and incident commanders on the use of the DFR 2.0 system are provided, covering everything from autonomous flight operations to emergency response protocols.

● Compliance Training: Ensuring that your team is fully knowledgeable about the regulatory environment and compliant in all operations is a priority, which is why we provide comprehensive training sessions.

Step 4: Go-Live and Continuous Support

Once installation and training are complete, we support the initial go-live phase to ensure everything launches and operates smoothly as your agency begins to utilize the system in real-world operations. Our commitment extends beyond the initial deployment, with ongoing technical support and system maintenance to ensure optimal performance and up-to-date technology.

Step 5: Performance Review and System Optimization

We periodically review the system’s performance and the outcomes of drone deployments to ensure your objectives are being met. We use the feedback from your oeprations to continuously enhance system functionality and user experience.

Bring Automatic Operations To Your Emergency Drone Response Operations 

Make your department’s 911 dispatches a whole lot faster and more effective with DFR 2.0. Our team is ready to give you a smooth transition and integrate the program into your operations. Get in touch at (877) 299-1075 / (213) 262-9436 or [email protected] to discuss your agency’s needs.