The Queen Creek Police Department utilizes small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) to enhance public safety, improve response times, and support emergency operations. Our drone program includes two complementary components: the Drone as First Responder (DFR) system and mission-specific drone operations. Together, they provide aerial support that helps officers respond more effectively, safely, and efficiently.

Drone as First Responder (DFR) Program – Powered by BRINC

The DFR program represents a forward-thinking approach to emergency response. When a qualifying call for service is received or initiated, a drone can launch immediately and fly directly to the scene, often arriving in under two minutes. The drone provides real-time video to officers, dispatchers, and our Real Time Information Center (RTIC) allowing them to assess the situation before ground units arrive.

This early situational awareness improves safety for both officers and the community, enables faster deployment of appropriate resources, and in some cases, can resolve calls without requiring an in-person response. The DFR system operates under strict supervision, following all FAA regulations and department policies that protect privacy and civil liberties.

Key benefits of the DFR program include:

• Faster response times and early situational awareness.
• Enhanced officer and public safety through informed decision-making.
• Greater efficiency by confirming or clearing incidents remotely.
• Reduced risk of escalation through accurate, real-time information.
• The ability to deliver life-saving items such as AEDs or Narcan when needed.

All DFR operations are logged, reviewed, and audited for compliance and transparency.

Mission-Specific Drone Operations

In addition to the automated DFR system, QCPD deploys drones for specific missions that require aerial support. All flights are monitored by a police supervisor, and pilots obtain appropriate airspace authorizations before each mission.

Mission-specific drone operations provide valuable aerial perspectives in a variety of emergency and investigative situations, including:

1. Situational Awareness – Assisting incident commanders in understanding the scope and scale of incidents for effective response planning.
2. Search and Rescue – Supporting missing person investigations, Amber Alerts, and rescue missions.
3. Tactical Deployment – Providing overwatch and observation during tactical operations.
4. Visual Perspective – Assisting with crowd management, traffic incidents, and perimeter security.
5. Scene Documentation – Capturing detailed imagery for crime scenes, crash investigations, and disaster management.
6. Firefighting Support – Assisting fire personnel with thermal imaging and aerial perspectives for safe suppression strategies.

These mission-specific operations expand the department’s ability to respond to complex incidents, enhance interagency coordination, and improve service delivery to the community.

Public Transparency and Community Engagement

The Queen Creek Police Department is committed to transparency and accountability in the use of drone technology. All sUAS deployments are documented and made publicly available. Because active incidents may involve sensitive or ongoing investigations, postings will occur after incidents are resolved.

In addition, QCPD regularly demonstrates drone technology at community events and outreach activities, helping residents better understand how this program improves safety while respecting privacy and civil liberties.

Mission specific operations are listed below by year

Our Commitment

Technology should enhance safety, not compromise trust. The QCPD Drone Operations Program, combining the rapid response of the DFR system with the versatility of mission-specific deployments, represents a modern, responsible approach to public safety. By pairing innovation with transparency, Queen Creek Police continues to protect and serve with integrity, accountability, and care for the community.

Operation Logs and Data

Effective April 1, 2023, all QCPD’s mission specific deployments of sUAS will be documented below. Please note, active scenarios may result in posting after the incident is resolved. We also provide all DFR flights through our BRINC Live Ops platform (click the link below):

DFR Live Ops Dashboard