Ramapo, New York, launches DFR program
Ramapo Police Department, in the US state of New York, has announced the launch of a new drone-as-first-responder (DFR) program
The system comprises two Paladin drone base stations and accompanying drones.
According to a statement by the Town of Ramapo, the systems will be used to “enhance public safety and operational efficiency”, allowing officers to “quickly gather critical situational data during emergency responses, improving decision-making in real time”.
It is hoped that the drones will give police on the ground an advantage when managing high-stakes situations and hazardous environments. This includes locating missing persons, tracking suspects, and providing situational awareness during active emergencies.
“Our top priority is the safety of our officers and the community,” said Chief Dan Hyman of the Ramapo Police Department. “With the DFR program, we now have the ability to gather essential information quickly and efficiently, which will greatly improve our response in emergency situations. This technology will not only enhance our operational capacity but will also lead to better, more informed decision-making in the field.”
Digital healthcare specialist 19Labs, in partnership with IDB Lab, recently unveiled a new drone delivery system for the South American nation of Guyana.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at the Voyageur Group. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.