A Drones as First Responder Program is set to start early next year in Victorville, city officials announced Thursday.
The program’s aim is more effective responses to emergencies to protect lives and bolster efficiency, according to a city statement.
Earlier this month, the City Council unanimously approved a three-year, nearly $832,000 contract with BRINC Drones Inc. to implement the a first-responder initiative in the first quarter of 2026. The council’s vote makes Victorville the first contract city with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department to use drones.
“By aligning our investments with community needs and data-driven strategies, we aim to create safer neighborhoods and ensure that every dollar spent delivers measurable value to the people we serve,” Victorville Mayor Liz Becerra said in a statement. “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.”
The DFR Program in Victorville will feature a network of drones strategically placed citywide at automated launch sites, officials said. After dispatchers receive calls for service or reports of emergencies, an FAA-licensed drone pilot will remotely operate the airborne devices.
An onboard camera enables drones to stream high-definition video to the Victorville Police Department’s dispatch center. The real-time drone feed provides information about the service call, such as the location of the disturbance or incident, relevant descriptions and direction of travel.
“Since drones provide overwatch, they are useful in confirming or ruling out the presence of weapons and any other safety concerns, which is a valuable de-escalation tool,” according to the city. “Overall, the use of drones greatly enhances situational awareness for responding officers.”
Officials said the new drone program is the latest enhancement to the city’s Real-Time Information Center, following the deployment of ShotSpotter gunshot detection technology in June and the completion of a citywide network of 123 automatic license plate readers.
“These tools not only allow for more efficient policing but also support transparency, faster emergency response, apprehension of suspects, effective criminal investigation, and proactive crime prevention,” the city statement said.
Funding for the drone contract is from Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Funds via State Assembly Bill 3229, officials said.
