TEMPLE, Texas (October 16, 2026) – The Temple Police Department is currently in the implementation and testing stage of a Drone as First Responder (DFR) program as the department evaluates expanded use of technology to enhance community and officer safety.
The DFR program is designed to build on the department’s existing drone capabilities by providing officers with live aerial video and critical situational awareness before they arrive on scene. During the implementation phase, the department has been evaluating the technology, deployment procedures, system integration, and operational capabilities to ensure the program functions effectively and in accordance with applicable policies and regulations.
Once fully implemented, drones may be deployed in specific situations to provide a real-time aerial view of incidents, helping officers identify important information such as suspect locations, scene conditions, and potential hazards. The drones may be utilized during incidents such as missing persons searches, traffic crashes, hazardous situations, large public events, and active emergency calls where aerial visibility can provide critical support to first responders. This capability is intended to provide officers with timely, actionable information while they are responding to an incident, allowing them to make more informed decisions and allocate resources more efficiently.
The department currently has multiple drones that can be operated once an officer arrives on scene. As part of the DFR implementation, the department is testing the use of strategically positioned drones that can be remotely deployed to provide coverage and reduce response times to calls for service.
One DFR that is currently being tested is housed in an automated, fully enclosed docking station in the 1700 block of North General Bruce Drive. The full deployment, which includes two more drones, is anticipated to begin service to the community during the month of December. They will be located in the 8400 block of W Adams Avenue and the 400 block of Waters Dairy Road. The system is designed to protect the drone from weather conditions, automatically manage battery changes, and allow for rapid deployment. During the implementation phase, the department is evaluating the docking station, flight operations, and integration with existing public safety systems before expanding operational use.
The department is also testing the integration of DFR technology with its existing dispatch system and other public safety technology. These capabilities are being evaluated to determine how they can provide officers with additional real-time information during calls for service and critical incidents to better assist the community.
All Temple Police Department drones are operated in accordance with applicable Federal Aviation Administration requirements, including those in the DFR program. Officers responsible for department drone operations receive specialized training, and remote pilots hold FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificates.
The implementation and testing process has allowed the department to evaluate the program’s effectiveness, identify necessary adjustments, and establish appropriate operational procedures before moving into full deployment.
The Temple Police Department remains committed to responsibly evaluating technology that can strengthen officer safety, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the department’s ability to serve the community as it grows. These Aerodome Drones managed through Flock Safety have, so far, through dozens of flights, test flights, and dispatches, proven a valuable tool for community and officer safety.
The Temple Police Department understands the importance of transparency and accountability as we implement the DFR program. Through Aerodome, the department provides a public transparency dashboard where community members can view information related to DFR flight activity and calls for service.
The public can access the DFR Transparency Dashboard to review this information. Additionally, the department will share DFR success stories on the Temple Police Department Website to provide examples of how the technology is being used to support public safety and assist officers in responding to incidents in our community.