National League of Cities launches nationwide drone-as-first-responder program

The National League of Cities on Tuesday announced it’s teaming up with the drone maker Brinc to help local governments deploy drones to emergency calls — a nationwide effort to scale so-called “drone as first responder” programs.

The program will give cities a blueprint for integrating drones into 911 response operations. Under the partnership, Brinc will serve as NLC’s exclusive drone provider and offer cities technical guidance.

The initiative comes as local governments increasingly look to emerging technologies, including drones, to improve response times, situational awareness and public safety outcomes.

“Every day, local governments deliver for their residents by utilizing practical, proven tools that help first responders do their jobs safely and effectively,” Clarence E. Anthony, executive director of the National League of Cities, said in a press release. “NLC’s partnership with BRINC ensures our members have access to trusted information and leading technology as they explore drone as first responder programs in their communities.”

Drone as first responder programs rely on drones strategically housed, in automated charging stations, ready to be deployed within seconds. They often arrive on scene before police, fire or EMS personnel. Drones provide live video feeds, two-way communication and real-time data to dispatchers and first responders, offering an early view of incidents.

A 2023 report found that roughly 1,500 police departments across the country have adopted drone as first responder programs, including in California, Michigan and Minnesota. In February, the Ohio Department of Transportation launched a statewide pilot, with nine public safety agencies participating.

The National League of Cities’ initiative also reflects growing demand among state and local governments for secure, domestically produced technology, particularly in public safety. The Department of Defense is urging rapid production of American-made drones to replace foreign-made unmanned aerial systems, particularly Chinese, with secure alternatives. (According to Tuesday’s announcement, Brinc’s drones are designed to meet federal compliance standards and support U.S.-based supply chains.)

“Our focus is simple: build reliable, American-made drone systems that help first responders save lives,” Blake Resnick, Brinc’s chief executive, said in the release. “Working with NLC allows us to directly support mayors, city managers, and public safety leaders who are at the forefront of emergency response.”