The Oceanside Police Department has officially launched a 13-month “Drone as First Responder” (DFR) pilot program, a development recently covered by CBS 8. The program, approved unanimously by the City Council in April, represents a significant step toward enhancing emergency response efficiency and officer safety.

Aerial Innovation for Faster Response

Operating from a strategically placed rooftop location in downtown Oceanside, the drone can be dispatched to incidents—such as criminal activity, missing persons, or other emergencies—and reach the scene in about one minute, substantially faster than traditional ground units. It transmits live video feeds to responding officers and the Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC), improving situational awareness before officers arrive.(ci.oceanside.ca.us)

The program is being implemented in partnership with Flying Lion Inc., which has been working alongside the Oceanside Police Department to establish the DFR program. Flying Lion is staffing the rooftop site with FAA-certified Remote Pilots in Command (RPICs) and visual observers, ensuring each mission is conducted safely, in compliance with FAA regulations, and aligned with department protocols.