How Delta Police Department Enhances Public Safety with DJI Drones

Over the years, drones were primarily used by the military for reconnaissance and combat missions. Over time, their applications have expanded into civilian sectors, including public safety. Police departments now utilize drones for tasks such as traffic monitoring, search and rescue operations, and crime scene analysis.​

According to a 2023 article from the Los Angeles Times, approximately 1,400 police departments across the United States are now utilizing drones in some capacity. This number is expected to increase significantly as drones become more accessible and technologically advanced. ​

The Delta Police Department (DPD) in British Columbia exemplifies this trend by adopting drone technology to enhance public safety and emergency response. Through their innovative Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program, DPD utilizes DJI's Dock 2 to improve operational efficiency and community well-being.

Initiation and Evolution of DPD's Drone Program

The Delta Police Department (DPD) initiated its drone program in 2020, starting with a single drone to explore the potential of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in enhancing public safety. Recognizing the benefits, DPD expanded its fleet over the years, integrating drones into various operational aspects. ​

In 2024, DPD launched the "Drone as First Responder" (DFR) program, aiming to deploy drones as immediate response tools in specific emergency situations. This initiative was designed to improve response times and provide real-time situational awareness to officers before they arrived on the scene. ​

To further enhance their drone capabilities, DPD collaborated with Candrone, a leader in drone technology solutions. This partnership led to the installation of the DJI Dock 2, a cutting-edge drone docking station, on the roof of the DPD headquarters. The DJI Dock 2 enables automated drone deployments, allowing for rapid response to incidents across Delta's approximately 69.5 square miles, serving over 108,000 residents. ​

By 2025, DPD had expanded its drone fleet to 12 units, reflecting a significant investment in UAV technology to support various policing functions. This growth underscores DPD's commitment to integrating advanced technology into their operations, enhancing both officer and public safety. ​

The evolution of DPD's drone program demonstrates a proactive approach to modern policing, leveraging technology to improve service delivery and community safety.

Addressing Privacy Concerns

The expansion of DPD's drone program has raised concerns among privacy experts regarding how the footage will be used. Christopher Schneider, a sociology professor at Brandon University who researches technology in policing, expressed apprehension, stating, "This is what other scholars have referred to as the militarization of policing." He further noted, "In situations like this, transparency becomes even more complicated because we are not entirely sure if and when we are being recorded by police surveillance technologies." ​

Aislin Jackson, policy staff counsel with the BC Civil Liberties Association, also voiced concerns, suggesting that drones should be limited to search and rescue operations rather than investigations. She cautioned against drones becoming a routine part of police operations due to their potentially invasive nature. ​

In response to these concerns, Acting Staff Sgt. Jim Ingram emphasized that DPD's drone operations are governed by strict protocols. He explained that while drones provide live-streaming capabilities for scene assessment, recording is initiated only when there is evidentiary value. Ingram assured, "There has to be a legitimate law enforcement reason for operating these machines." He also clarified that the department has no plans to incorporate facial recognition technology into the drone program and that public notifications for each drone launch may not always be feasible due to tactical considerations.

Furthermore, DPD conducted a comprehensive Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) to ensure that all drone use complies with legal privacy requirements and fosters public trust. The department's policy dictates that drones are deployed only in appropriate situations, and any recorded data is handled confidentially, protected against unauthorized disclosure. DPD remains committed to transparency and continuous engagement with the community to address any concerns.

DPD aims to balance the benefits of drone technology with the imperative to respect individual privacy rights.

The expansion of DPD's drone program has raised concerns among privacy experts regarding how the footage will be used. Christopher Schneider, a sociology professor at Brandon University who researches technology in policing, expressed apprehension, stating, "This is what other scholars have referred to as the militarization of policing." He further noted, "In situations like this, transparency becomes even more complicated because we are not entirely sure if and when we are being recorded by police surveillance technologies." ​

Aislin Jackson, policy staff counsel with the BC Civil Liberties Association, also voiced concerns, suggesting that drones should be limited to search and rescue operations rather than investigations. She cautioned against drones becoming a routine part of police operations due to their potentially invasive nature. ​

In response to these concerns, Acting Staff Sgt. Jim Ingram emphasized that DPD's drone operations are governed by strict protocols. He explained that while drones provide live-streaming capabilities for scene assessment, recording is initiated only when there is evidentiary value. Ingram assured, "There has to be a legitimate law enforcement reason for operating these machines." He also clarified that the department has no plans to incorporate facial recognition technology into the drone program and that public notifications for each drone launch may not always be feasible due to tactical considerations.

Furthermore, DPD conducted a comprehensive Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) to ensure that all drone use complies with legal privacy requirements and fosters public trust. The department's policy dictates that drones are deployed only in appropriate situations, and any recorded data is handled confidentially, protected against unauthorized disclosure. DPD remains committed to transparency and continuous engagement with the community to address any concerns.

DPD aims to balance the benefits of drone technology with the imperative to respect individual privacy rights.

Implementation of the Drone as a First Responder (DFR) Program

The Delta Police Department (DPD) has taken a significant step forward in modernizing its operations with the launch of the Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program. This initiative leverages DJI's Dock 2 technology to enhance the department's responsiveness and situational awareness during emergencies.

Central to the DFR program is the deployment of DJI's Dock 2 drones, designed for automated and swift responses. These drones are housed in docking stations that maintain them in a state of readiness, ensuring they can be dispatched at a moment's notice. Upon receiving an alert, a drone can be airborne within approximately 45 seconds, reaching the incident location in about four minutes. This rapid deployment allows for real-time aerial assessments, providing critical information to officers before they arrive on the scene. 

The real-time data transmitted by the drones significantly enhances situational awareness for responding officers. For example, during a suspected break-and-enter incident, a drone arrived ahead of ground units, offering insights that ensured both public and officer safety. This capability allows for more informed decision-making and efficient resource allocation. 

Delta Police Department emphasizes transparency and community engagement in implementing the DFR program. The department has conducted a comprehensive Privacy Impact Assessment to ensure compliance with legal privacy requirements and to foster public trust. By maintaining open communication channels, DPD aims to address any community concerns related to drone operations. 

Notable Applications

The DFR program has been instrumental for DPD in various scenarios:​

• Locating Missing Persons: Drones have been deployed to search for missing individuals, providing aerial views that cover large areas more efficiently than ground searches alone
• Combating Street Racing: DPD has utilized drones to monitor and address illegal street racing activities, enhancing public safety and allowing for evidence collection without engaging in high-speed pursuits.

Enhancing Public Safety and Emergency Response Across British Columbia

The Delta Police Department (DPD) has taken a significant step forward in public safety by launching the "Drone as First Responder" (DFR) program. This initiative aims to enhance community safety and improve response times by deploying drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and real-time video streaming capabilities. These drones are dispatched to emergency scenes, allowing officers to assess situations from the air before arriving on the ground, enabling faster and more informed decision-making.

Building on the department's existing use of drones for public safety and investigative response, the DFR program is informed by a comprehensive Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA). This ensures that all drone use complies with legal privacy requirements and fosters public trust. Department policies govern drone deployment, ensuring they are used only in appropriate situations, and any recorded data is handled confidentially and protected against unauthorized disclosure.

The program is expected to enhance the department’s ability to respond to emergencies, such as critical incidents. By providing real-time aerial perspectives, the drones will support officers in making quicker and more effective decisions, potentially saving lives and reducing property damage. The program will also serve as a force multiplier, allowing the department to cover larger areas more efficiently.

Compliance with Regulatory Standards

Adhering to Transport Canada's regulations is a cornerstone of the Delta Police Department's (DPD) drone operations. The department secured a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) after conducting comprehensive risk assessments and ensuring the DJI Dock 2's compliance with safety standards. This certification reflects DPD's dedication to operating within legal frameworks while embracing technological advancements.

According to Transport Canada, an SFOC is required for drone operations that exceed standard regulations, such as flying beyond visual line-of-sight or operating drones weighing over 25 kg. The DPD's attainment of this certificate demonstrates their commitment to maintaining high safety and compliance standards in their drone program.

Capabilities and Features of DJI Dock 2

The DJI Dock 2 is a compact and robust autonomous drone docking station designed to facilitate automated drone operations across various industries. Its advanced features and specifications make it a valuable asset for organizations, enhancing their operational efficiency and response capabilities.

Key Specifications and Features

• Compact and Lightweight Design: The Dock 2 is 75% smaller and 68% lighter than its predecessor, weighing approximately 34 kg without the aircraft. This reduction in size and weight allows for easy transportation and flexible installation by just two individuals.
• Environmental Resilience: With an IP55 ingress protection rating, the Dock 2 is safeguarded against dust and water, ensuring reliable operation in various weather conditions, including rain and snow. It operates efficiently within a temperature range of -25°C to 45°C, making it suitable for diverse environmental settings
• Autonomous Operations: The Dock 2 supports automated and scheduled drone missions, enabling continuous 24/7 operations. It features an integrated environmental monitoring system and cloud-based intelligent functions, allowing for real-time data collection and analysis.
• Rapid Deployment and Charging: The Dock 2 facilitates quick drone deployment with a maximum effective operating radius of up to 10 km. After a mission, the drone can be recharged to 90% battery capacity within approximately 32 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime between flights.
• Edge Computing and Third-Party Payload Support: The Dock 2 supports the integration of edge computing modules and third-party payloads through the E-Port on compatible drones. This flexibility allows for the attachment of additional equipment, such as spotlights or speakers, expanding the drone's capabilities for specific use cases.

Compatible Drones

The DJI Dock 2 is designed to operate seamlessly with the Matrice 3D and Matrice 3TD series drones, each tailored for specific operational needs.

Matrice 3D

The Matrice 3D is optimized for high-precision mapping and surveying tasks. Its key features include:

Wide-Angle Camera:

• Sensor: 4/3 CMOS with 20 MP effective pixels.​
• Lens: 84° field of view, 24 mm equivalent focal length, adjustable aperture from f/2.8 to f/11, and focus range from 1 m to infinity.​
• Shutter: Supports both electronic (8–1/8000 s) and mechanical shutters (8–1/2000 s), facilitating precise image capture for mapping applications.​

Flight Performance

• Maximum Flight Time: Up to 50 minutes under optimal conditions.​
• Maximum Flight Distance: Approximately 43 km when flying at a constant speed of 54 km/h in a windless environment at 20 meters above sea level.​
• Maximum Operating Radius: Up to 10 km, facilitating extensive coverage for large-scale mapping projects

Tele Camera:

• Sensor: 1/2-inch CMOS with 12 MP effective pixels.​
• Lens: 15° field of view, 162 mm equivalent focal length, aperture of f/4.4, and focus range from 3 m to infinity.
• Zoom Capability: Offers 8× digital zoom, achieving up to 56× hybrid zoom for detailed inspections.

These features enable the Matrice 3D to meet 1:500 high-precision mapping standards, making it ideal for surveying and geospatial data collection.

Matrice 3TD

The Matrice 3TD is engineered for security and inspection operations, offering both visual and thermal imaging capabilities. Its key features include:​

Wide-Angle Camera:

• Sensor: 1/1.32-inch CMOS with 48 MP effective pixels.​
• Lens: 82° field of view, 24 mm equivalent focal length, aperture of f/1.7, and focus range from 1 m to infinity.​

Flight Performance

• Maximum Flight Time: Up to 50 minutes under optimal conditions.​
• Maximum Flight Distance: Approximately 43 km when flying at a constant speed of 54 km/h in a windless environment at 20 meters above sea level.​
• Maximum Operating Radius: Up to 10 km, suitable for extensive inspection operations.

Tele Camera:

• Sensor: 1/2-inch CMOS with 12 MP effective pixels.​
• Lens: 15° field of view, 162 mm equivalent focal length, aperture of f/4.4, and focus range from 3 m to infinity.​
• Zoom Capability: Provides 8× digital zoom, achieving up to 56× hybrid zoom for detailed inspections.​

Infrared Camera:

• Sensor: Uncooled VOx Microbolometer with a 12 μm pixel pitch.​
• Lens: 61° field of view, 40 mm equivalent focal length, aperture of f/1.0, and focus range from 5 m to infinity.​
• Thermal Imaging: Captures thermal photos and videos, supporting temperature measurement methods such as spot and area measurement, with a temperature range of -20° to 150° C (high gain mode) and 0° to 500° C (low gain mode).​

These capabilities make the Matrice 3TD suitable for applications requiring both visual and thermal data, such as infrastructure inspections and search and rescue missions. 

Both drones are equipped with advanced imaging systems and are fully compatible with the DJI Dock 2, facilitating automated and efficient operations across various industrial applications.

Future Expansion and Strategic Planning

Building on the success of its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, the Delta Police Department (DPD) is planning to expand its drone operations to further enhance public safety and emergency response capabilities. This strategic expansion includes the deployment of additional DJI Dock 2 units across Delta, aiming to achieve comprehensive coverage and reduce response times citywide.

The DPD's plan involves installing multiple DJI Dock 2 stations at strategic locations throughout Delta. These autonomous docking stations enable rapid drone deployment, allowing drones to be dispatched within seconds of an emergency call. By positioning these docks in key areas, the DPD aims to ensure that drones can reach any incident site promptly, providing real-time aerial assessments to first responders.

Enhancing Emergency Response to Natural Disasters

In addition to routine emergency calls, the expanded drone network is expected to play a crucial role in managing natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes. Drones equipped with thermal imaging and high-resolution cameras can swiftly assess damage, identify individuals in need of assistance, and monitor evolving situations, thereby informing and optimizing response strategies. This capability is particularly vital in scenarios where traditional access routes may be compromised.

Integration into Community Safety Initiatives

The DPD's drone expansion aligns with broader community safety initiatives, reflecting a commitment to leveraging technology for public benefit. By integrating drones into various aspects of policing—from traffic monitoring to search and rescue operations—the DPD aims to enhance overall community well-being. This technological advancement not only improves operational efficiency but also demonstrates the department's dedication to adopting innovative solutions for complex public safety challenges.

Collaborative Efforts and Community Engagement

Recognizing the importance of public trust and collaboration, the DPD is engaging with community stakeholders to address concerns related to privacy and data security. By maintaining transparency about drone operations and implementing robust data protection measures, the department seeks to foster community support for the program. This collaborative approach ensures that the expansion of drone technology serves the best interests of Delta's residents.

DPD's future expansion of its drone program exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to public safety. By embracing technological advancements and integrating them into comprehensive safety strategies, the department continues to set a precedent for innovative policing methods that prioritize the well-being of the community.

Conclusion

The Delta Police Department's (DPD) integration of DJI's drone technology through the Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to public safety. By deploying drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and real-time video streaming capabilities, DPD enhances its emergency response capabilities, allowing officers to assess situations from the air before arriving on the ground. This technological advancement leads to faster and more informed decision-making, ultimately improving response times and outcomes. ​

Adherence to regulatory standards is a cornerstone of DPD's drone operations. The department secured a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) from Transport Canada, reflecting its dedication to operating within legal frameworks while embracing technological advancements. ​

Transparency and community engagement are integral to the program's success. The DPD conducted a comprehensive Privacy Impact Assessment to ensure compliance with legal privacy requirements, fostering public trust. Drones are deployed only in appropriate situations, and any recorded data is handled confidentially, protected against unauthorized disclosure.

This initiative not only reflects technological advancement but also underscores DPD's unwavering commitment to protecting and serving the residents of Delta. By integrating drone technology into their operations, the DPD sets a benchmark for law enforcement agencies nationwide, demonstrating how modern tools can enhance public safety and community well-being.