Drones as First Responder Programs: How to Build Them Right from Day One

Drones can be powerful tools for law enforcement, but launching a Drone as First Responder (DFR) program the wrong way can cause more problems than it solves. This course walks officers through the key legal and operational steps needed to build a DFR program that’s effective, defensible, and trusted by the community.

Officers will learn how to get a DFR program off the ground while staying within constitutional boundaries, especially around the Fourth Amendment. The training covers everything from securing needed approvals to building policies that will hold up in court. Real-world examples and legal insights help officers avoid costly mistakes and start strong from day one.

What You’ll Learn

  • Getting Started the Right Way
    Understand the basic building blocks of a DFR program, including what resources and approvals are needed, and how to avoid common pitfalls from the start.

  • Fourth Amendment and Drone Use
    Learn when drone use may count as a “search,” what recent court rulings say, and how to fly without crossing constitutional lines.

  • Making Sound, Defensible Policies
    Find out how to write clear, lawful policies and how to help officers explain drone use in reports and in court.

  • Community Communication
    Get tips for explaining the program to residents, councils, and the media so your agency stays ahead of misunderstandings and builds trust.

By the end of the course, officers will know how to build a DFR program that’s operationally sound, legally defensible, and clearly understood by the public.


Certificate: 2 Hour

Credit: In-service credit available in many states

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Course curriculum

  1. 1

    • Welcome to Blue to Gold University

    • Course Introduction

    • Meet your Instructor

    • Questions and Technical Support
  2. 2

    • Drone as a First Responder
  3. 3

    • Get your FREE Drone Laws for Every State eBook

    • Drone as First Responder Launch Toolkit by Flock Safety

Course Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

5 star rating

Great Class

Sigurd Sivertson

I believe every officer in the US should take this course. Officers need to know this stuff so we can stop bad case law from being made.

I believe every officer in the US should take this course. Officers need to know this stuff so we can stop bad case law from being made.

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5 star rating

Amazing!!

Steven Sentz

Highly useful information that can be used on every call for service

Highly useful information that can be used on every call for service

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4 star rating

This class was great

Humberto Martinez

i learned a lot. Its about the minor details, especially when it comes to our line of work

i learned a lot. Its about the minor details, especially when it comes to our line of work

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5 star rating

Solid

Troy Wylie

Helpful information, very well presented, in manageable portions.

Helpful information, very well presented, in manageable portions.

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  • Our courses are designed to be comprehensive, engaging, and well-structured delivered by a knowledgeable and passionate instructor.

  • Up-to-date, practical content that reflects industry trends and is presented in an easy-to-understand manner.

  • Collaborative opportunities, feedback, and assessment to facilitate student learning and progress tracking.

  • Our courses provide practical skills and knowledge that can be applied in real-life situations, with relevant examples, case studies, and exercises.

  • You will receive a certificate of completion.