LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Henderson police are preparing to launch a “Drone as First Responder” program that would send drones to emergency calls before officers or firefighters arrive.
Chief Reggie Rader said the drones can fly over traffic and get eyes on a scene faster than patrol cars or fire trucks.
During a 30-day pilot this spring, drones arrived first about 70% of the time and cleared officers from about 16% of calls that turned out to be false alarms, police said.
The department said drones will only launch for specific calls for service, not general neighborhood surveillance. Cameras will remain pointed at the horizon until the drones reach the scene.
MORE ON FOX5: Henderson moves to make public safety drone program permanent
“It can be first on scene. It can provide that intelligence. It can keep our officers from showing up in an ambush situation,” Rader said.
Rader said a drone could quickly provide information to officers responding to someone attempting carjackings or home invasions.
Rader called the program a “force multiplier” that frees officers to conduct more proactive patrols and community policing. He said a federal Homeland Security grant and police foundation money will help get the system running without city tax dollars.
Copyright 2026 KVVU. All rights reserved.
