DFR programs breaking new ground thanks to FAA waiver

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Axon has announced that the Campbell Police Department in California received a groundbreaking waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations as part of its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program.  

Axon notes that this approval is the first of its kind to include nighttime operations and allows the Campbell Police Department to fly missions using Dedrone by Axon’s DedroneBeyond technology without the need for visual observers. 

Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs change how emergencies are handled by providing real-time situational awareness that improves response times and safety. With DFR, police can deploy drones as soon as 911 calls are received, giving them a clear picture of the situation before officers arrive.  

“This FAA approval is a major milestone for our department and our community,” said Chief Gary Berg of the Campbell Police Department. “With the ability to conduct drone operations day or night without the need for visual observers, we can respond faster and more effectively to emergencies, improving both officer and public safety. This technology is a game changer in ensuring we have the tools to support our community when it matters most.” 

Since starting its DFR program in 2022, the Campbell Police Department has used a human visual observer with a daytime waiver for BVLOS operations. With the FAA's latest approval under part 91.113(b), the Campbell PD can now use DedroneBeyond's ground-based detect and avoid system for both daytime and nighttime operations, removing the need for human observers and enabling 24/7 drone use. 

"Dedrone is excited to partner with the Campbell Police Department as they take this significant step forward in enhancing public safety with their DFR program,” said Aaditya Devarakonda, chief executive officer of Dedrone by Axon. “The FAA's approval for BVLOS operations is a transformative moment, not only for Campbell PD but for law enforcement nationwide. We commend the FAA for its forward-thinking approach to unlock cutting-edge technologies that enhance safety within the National Airspace System (NAS)." 

Security Systems News (SSN) reached out to Axon to elaborate on how transformative this approval is for DFR and the industry, and how it sees things changing in the future as a result. “Because this is the first-ever waiver that allows you to fly 24/7, the waiver itself is worth much more/more economically attractive than a daylight-only waiver,” said Mary-Lou Smulders, CMO and head of government affairs at Axon. “When you consider this increased usability, combined with the fact that any existing drone can be used versus having to buy a new specific drone, we expect many first responders/PDs to follow a similar path.” 

Another public safety technology provider recently tossed its hat into the DFR arena with Flock Safety’s acquisition of Aerodome and promises to introduce a suite of National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)-compliant drones in the next 12 months. 

More information about Axon’s DFR offering is available online at www.dedrone.com.