PEORIA, Ill. – Peoria officers are testing out a new “Drone as First Responder” program for the next seven days.
Here’s how it works: whenever a 911 call comes in, a drone launches from a fixed location and zips directly to the scene. It gives officers a live video feed of exactly what’s happening before they even pull up to the address.
Chief Brad Dixon is clear about what this is and what it isn’t. It’s not meant to replace officers, and they aren’t going to be patrolling the skies for random surveillance. It’s strictly a tool to help them make better decisions when they’re heading into a tough situation.
By getting eyes on the scene early, police can spot hazards, identify what’s really going on, and coordinate their response faster. Dixon says the goal is de-escalation—getting things under control calmly rather than rushing into a high-risk situation.
The department is emphasizing that these drones aren’t armed, they aren’t using facial recognition, and they’re only launching when a dispatch call hits the system. They’re looking to boost safety for both the officers and the community, while keeping everyone accountable.
If this pilot goes well, it could be a game-changer for how the Peoria Police Department handles emergency calls.
The Peoria Police Department is rolling out a pilot program to test the benefits of drones. (Peoria Police Facebook)
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