HALO

 

 

Providing a faster, safer view when seconds matter.

The Benton Police Department utilizes a Drone as First Responder (DFR) program to provide officers with an additional tool during emergency calls and critical incidents.

Our BRINC drone system allows a drone to be rapidly deployed to the scene of certain calls, providing responding personnel with valuable information before officers arrive. This additional perspective can help officers better understand what is happening, make informed decisions, and respond more safely and effectively.

 

 

A Drone as First Responder is an emergency-response system that allows a remotely operated drone to be deployed directly to the location of a 911 call or other qualifying incident.

Instead of waiting for officers to arrive before having an understanding of the situation, the drone can provide an aerial view of the area while officers are responding.

The information gathered by the drone can help answer important questions such as:

  • What is happening at the scene?
  • Where are the people involved?
  • Are there weapons or other hazards present?
  • Is anyone injured or in need of immediate assistance?
  • Where should responding officers safely approach?
  • Does the situation require additional resources?

This information can help our officers arrive better informed and better prepared.

When a qualifying emergency occurs, a BRINC drone can be dispatched to the area by an authorized remote pilot.

The drone travels to the designated location and provides a live aerial view to authorized personnel. The remote pilot can relay relevant information to responding officers and other emergency personnel.

This allows officers to begin developing an understanding of the situation before they arrive.

911 Call
A qualifying emergency is reported.
↓
Drone Deployment
An authorized pilot deploys the drone when appropriate.
↓
Live Aerial Assessment
The drone provides real-time information from above.
↓
Information Shared
Relevant information is communicated to responding personnel.
↓
Officers Respond
Officers arrive with a better understanding of the situation.

Faster Information. Safer Responses.

Emergencies can change quickly. Aerial information can give responding officers an important perspective that may not be available from the ground.

Our DFR program is designed to:

Improve Response Times
A drone can reach certain locations quickly, allowing personnel to begin assessing a situation while officers are still responding.
Enhance Officer Safety
Knowing more about conditions at a scene can help officers identify potential hazards before entering an area.
Improve Situational Awareness
An aerial perspective can provide information about locations, vehicles, people, structures, and other factors that may be difficult to see from the ground.
Assist the Community
The drone may help locate missing or endangered persons, assess emergencies, and provide information that assists officers in resolving incidents safely.
Deploy Resources More Effectively
Real-time information can help supervisors determine what resources are needed and where they should be directed.

The Benton Police Department may use its DFR system when aerial information can assist with an emergency response or other legitimate law-enforcement purpose.

Potential applications include:

  • Emergency and priority calls
  • Crimes in progress
  • Searches for fleeing suspects
  • Missing or endangered persons
  • Traffic incidents
  • Large or complex crime scenes
  • Search and rescue operations
  • Situations involving potentially armed or dangerous individuals
  • Officer safety assessments
  • Major emergencies and disasters
  • Situations where an aerial perspective can assist responding personnel

Not every call requires a drone. Deployment is based on the circumstances of the incident and applicable department policies and procedures.