VICTORVILLE – The City of Victorville announced October 30 that it will deploy a Drones as First Responder Program (DFR) to respond more effectively to emergencies, protect lives, and enhance operational efficiency. 

The city said the program furthers its commitment to enhanced public safety.

Earlier this month, the Victorville City Council unanimously approved a three-year agreement with BRINC Drones, Inc., at a total cost of $831,929.18.

The DFR program is set to launch in early 2026.

When complete, Victorville will be the first city under contract with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department to deploy drones as first responders.

Drones remotely operated by a pilot

Victorville’s DFR Program will feature a network of drones stationed at automated launch sites across the city, ready to respond to service calls.

The drones will be operated remotely by an FAA-licensed pilot.

Each drone has an onboard camera that streams high-definition video to Victorville Police Department’s real-time crime center, providing details on the service call, including location, relevant descriptions, and direction of travel.

Drones provide overwatch, helping confirm or rule out weapons and other safety threats, making them a de-escalation tool.

According to the city, the use of drones greatly enhances situational awareness for responding officers.

Other recent tech upgrades

Victorville’s DFR program is the latest upgrade to the city’s Real-Time Information Center.

It follows the June deployment of ShotSpotter gunshot detection and the completion of 123 automated license plate readers across the city.

“Equipping our emergency responders with the technology they need to be more effective and proactive is an important strategy in our efforts to increase safety in Victorville,” said Victorville Mayor Liz Becerra. 

The three-year agreement with BRINC Drones is funded with Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Funds from Assembly Bill 3229, supporting front-line municipal police services.