Press Conference & Public Information Session to be Held May 20, 2025 at Noon at Prosper Town Hall
PROSPER, TX May 13, 2025 - The Prosper Police Department is proud to announce the implementation of a groundbreaking air-based drone program designed to save lives and enhance public safety. Prosper is the first agency in the State of Texas to launch the Flock Aerodome Drone as First Responder system, which utilizes automated DFR 2.0 technology and advanced systems such as Detect and Avoid (DAA) radar, an integration with Flock911 and Flock License Plate Readers (LPR), and the ability to fly up to 400 feet.
This futuristic addition to the Prosper Police Department is in part thanks to grant funding by the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA) Auto Theft Reduction Grant. Combined with the launch of patrol-based drone operations, this program impactfully expands the Town's Public Safety Programs, revolutionizing community safety. The Prosper Police Department and Fire-Rescue will host an information session at Prosper Town Hall on May 20, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. for those interested in learning more about the program. Speakers at this press conference include Mayor David Bristol, Police Chief Doug Kowalski, Fire Chief Stuart Blasingame and Flock representatives. “By integrating these advanced drone programs into our operations, we are providing our officers with a powerful tool that significantly enhances safety and service for our community,” said Chief Doug Kowalski. “These programs offer many of the same benefits as helicopters, enabling us to respond to critical incidents with greater precision and effectiveness, ultimately transforming our approach to public safety.” “I am proud to support the Prosper Police Department in launching this innovative drone program,” said Mayor David Bristol. “This initiative reflects the Town Council’s unwavering commitment to investing in cutting-edge technology that not only enhances public safety but also protects our officers and ensures the well-being of our residents.” The Flock Aerodome DFR system strategically positions drones at automated battery-swapping docks across the town, enabling Prosper PD pilots to automatically launch and manually pilot the drones to service calls and emergency situations with an average response time of 86 seconds. This innovation marks a significant advancement in safeguarding the Prosper community. Furthermore, the patrol-based drone program, managed by certified Prosper Police Officers, offers equally impactful benefits, further enhancing response capabilities.
“Many of us here are first responders ourselves, and we know that every second counts in an emergency,” said Rahul Sidhu, VP of Aviation at Flock Safety. “We’re honored to partner with Prosper PD to deploy and maintain the first Flock Aerodome DFR program in the state of Texas.” These initiatives elevate community protection, improve response efficiency, and support police in search-and-rescue operations, establishing aerial perimeters and providing real-time situational awareness during critical incidents. The Flock Aerodome system and existing Flock Safety License Plate Reader (LPR) cameras are integrated on a common platform, enabling DFR pilots to quickly dispatch aerial assets to gather additional visual evidence following an LPR alert. First responders can reach the scene within 86 seconds, delivering vital information. Additionally, the program has been shown to help other agencies across the country achieve an impressive 71% average reduction in response times and an 89% increase in the identification and location of suspects and vehicles, resolving 20% of calls without sending patrol units. Strict guidelines will govern both programs to ensure accountability and transparency, including adherence to FAA regulations and Town policies. All Prosper Police drone operators are certified by the Federal Aviation Administration under the Part 107 Licensing Program and receive specialized training in department policies and drone operation protocols. Drone as First Responder (DFR) technology is utilized by the Prosper Police Department to provide rapid, effective responses to emergency calls for service. This program enhances our ability to protect and serve the community more efficiently. In our ongoing commitment to transparency, all drone flights launched through the DFR program are automatically tracked and logged using specialized software. These flight records are publicly accessible and can be reviewed at any time through the Prosper Police Department’s Flight Dashboard. For more information, visit the Prosper Police Department Technology Transparency webpage at prospertx.gov/crimetech.
WHAT: Prosper Drone First Responder Program Public Information Session WHEN: May 20, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.WHERE: Prosper Town Council Chambers (250 W. First Street Prosper, TX 75078)
Media Contact: Todd Rice | O: 972-569-1025 | C: 214-403-7398 | trice@prospertx.gov
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