Drone technology to give police the X factor in emergency response

• Australian-first drone technology will put eyes on incidents before police arrive
• Drone as First Responder launched in Baldivis, Kwinana, and Rockingham
• Cook Labor Government backing frontline police with cutting-edge technology to improve community safety

New Australian-first drone technology will give frontline WA Police Force officers a critical head start when responding to emergencies, with drones able to reach an unfolding incident within seconds.

The new Drone as First Responder (DFR X) program will see remotely piloted drones launched from dedicated docking stations across the southern suburbs, providing officers with real-time intelligence before they arrive at a scene.

Initially operating across Baldivis, Kwinana, and Rockingham the technology will give police an extra set of eyes in the sky, helping them assess risks, make faster and better-informed decisions, and determine what resources are needed.

Unlike traditional police drone deployments, DFR X allows aircraft to be dispatched remotely from a dedicated command centre in Perth's CBD, with drones able to operate beyond visual line of sight and cover a wider operational area.

The capability will support police responding to a range of incidents across the Mandurah Police District, including hooning, missing persons, land searches, family and domestic violence matters, welfare concerns, stolen motor vehicles, and crimes in progress.

By providing an early picture of what is unfolding, DFR X will help officers better understand potentially dangerous situations before entering them, supporting safer and more effective responses for police and the community.

A dedicated remote operational command centre has been established in the Perth CBD to co-ordinate deployments and support the future expansion of the capability.

The Cook Labor Government is investing in safe communities through strengthened frontline capability, support for officers on the ground across Western Australia.

Comments attributed to Police Minister Reece Whitby:

"This is an Australian-first. No other Australian police force has advanced this far in the use of drones. In fact, it's advanced crime fighting on a global scale. 

"My message to criminals and hoons is, you won't see us coming, you won't hear us coming, but we'll be there in the air watching your every move.

"This is about giving our police an invaluable tool - the ability to have eyes on the scene much sooner. It improves safety for our officers in blue on the front line."