Kane County Board Approves Drone as First Responder Program

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The Kane County Board has approved an intergovernmental agreement between the Kane County Sheriff's Office and the Aurora Police Department to establish a Drone as First Responder (DFR) program aimed at providing rapid aerial support during certain calls for service.

Under the agreement, the Sheriff's Office has leased a drone platform and software on a trial basis, while Aurora Police will provide trained pilots and operational support.

Kane County State's Attorney Jamie Mosser told the County Board, the program is intended to give law enforcement an aerial view of developing situations before officers move in, potentially reducing the need for pursuits or other high-risk encounters.

“Drones are a very helpful tool for law enforcement and it has shown that in police departments and jurisdictions that have drones, they've actually seen a 50% reduction in the use of force incidents."

Mosser added that the technology would improve safety for officers, members of the public and suspects.

“Instead of chasing people when we have little to no knowledge, now we are going to have a drone recording back all that information to us that not only keeps it safer for the general public but also for our law enforcement that puts their lives on the line on a daily basis, but it also makes it safer for the offenders who are committing these particular crimes."

​Under the program, a single drone would operate under state law governing its use and the recording and retention of information. The State's Attorney's Office also would be involved in addressing legal and evidentiary issues related to recordings.

The agreement establishes the initial framework for the DFR program while the County and its law enforcement partners gain experience with the technology and its use.