The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) is launching its first-ever Drone as First Responder (DFR) pilot project, bringing innovative aviation technology directly into front-line emergency response. The DFR system deploys remotely piloted drones to certain emergency calls, often arriving on scene within approximately 60 seconds to provide first responders with immediate, real-time situational awareness. It is one of the first DFR pilot projects in Canada.
This rapid-response capability allows officers to assess risks earlier, plan safer approaches, and coordinate more effectively before arriving on scene. The pilot will be supported by drone dock sites strategically positioned throughout the Region to provide continuous overlapping coverage. Several launch locations are already fully prepared, with additional sites to come.
With the release of this pilot, Chief Peter Moreira emphasized DRPS’s commitment to responsible innovation, stating that the initiative “allows us to respond faster, see more, and make better informed decisions—while maintaining strong privacy protections and public transparency.”
All DFR operations comply with Transport Canada authorizations, the approved Privacy Impact Assessment, and all provincial and federal privacy legislation. The system:
Is not used for general surveillance
Does not use facial recognition or automated identification technology
Only launches for specific emergency or operational incidents, similar to dispatching a patrol unit or helicopter
The DFR system is expected to support:
Unknown risk or high risk calls
Missing persons investigations
Large, complex, or evolving scenes
Natural disasters or sudden emergencies
Any situation where rapid aerial intelligence improves safety
By providing real-time overhead views, the pilot strengthens responder preparedness and may reduce risk for both officers and the public.
Public transparency is a core element of the project. DRPS will release public-facing materials through-out the pilot to help the community understand how the system works and how privacy is protected. To support community awareness and transparency, DRPS will host a Drone as First Responder Community Information Night where residents are invited to learn more about the pilot project.
WHERE: Audley Recreation Centre, Ajax
1955 Audley Road
WHEN: Thursday, February 26, 2026
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
WHAT:
Live drone demonstrations
An opportunity to meet the drone pilots
Information about how the DFR system operates
Details on privacy protections and oversight
A look at what the pilot means for community safety
For more information about the pilot, please visit //www.drps.ca/DFR
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
