Plano’s Drone as First Responder (DFR) program is a new initiative approved by the Plano City Council on July 27, 2026.
Key Details
The council voted 8-0 to approve a $1.4–1.44 million, five-year contract with Motorola Solutions.
- Drones will launch automatically (or near-automatically) from rooftop docking stations on city buildings when certain 911 calls come in. Tentative locations include the Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center, a Plano Police substation, the Plano Aquatic Center, and the Plano Event Center.
- The goal is for drones to reach most locations in Plano in about 2–2.5 minutes, faster than officers (who typically take 5–8 minutes on critical calls).
- They will stream live video and situational awareness back to dispatchers and responding officers before ground units arrive. Uses include helping locate missing people, identifying suspects, assessing crime scenes or crashes, and supporting officer safety.
- Future capabilities may include two-way communication with people on the ground and eventually delivering items such as Narcan or EpiPens.
How It Differs from Existing Drones
Plano Police already operate around 30 drones that officers fly from the backs of patrol vehicles (used by patrol, traffic units, and SWAT). The new DFR drones are different: they stay docked on buildings, launch quickly in response to calls, and are flown by trained civilian professional staff (who must hold FAA Part 107 certification), not sworn officers.
Technology and Timeline
- The program will start with DJI Matrice drones (a temporary solution).
- Officials plan to switch to American-made BRINC Guardian drones within 18–24 months.
- The city expects to have 2–4 drones initially.
- Rollout is targeted within about 60 days after docking stations are installed.
Privacy and Oversight
Police Chief Ed Drain has stressed that the drones are not for general surveillance. Cameras are only turned on once the drone arrives at the specific emergency scene, and Texas law already prohibits using drones for surveillance. Officials say the aircraft will be clearly marked as police drones, have lights, and can announce themselves. Some residents raised privacy concerns during the approval process, but the council and department say strict policies and training will govern use.
The program is funded through the Police Department’s Traffic Safety Fund and is part of a broader trend—Dallas, Arlington, Fort Worth, and many other cities have launched or expanded similar DFR programs in recent years.
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