Remote drone launch program is helping first responders improve decision making

An emerging program designed to give first responders an aerial edge by using drones launched remotely is being readied for debut in Libertyville and other agencies in Lake and Cook counties.

And in a separate development, the Drone as First Responder (DFR) program just started limited operation in Vernon Hills. Drones launched from the roof of the police station can respond to calls for service and help coordinate actions in emergencies.

In both instances, the idea is that remotely launching drones — basically at the touch of a button — can get “eyes” on a situation and provide valuable information often before public safety personnel arrive.

Libertyville recently became the fifth agency to sign on to a program made available through Glenview's public safety dispatch center, which serves 22 police and fire agencies in 16 communities. Glenview, Glencoe, Lake Forest and Morton Grove are also on board, with more departments expected.

“We began developing the program earlier this year as a regional, shared-services approach to DFR,” said Brent Reynolds, director of the Glenview center.

While drones have become common for public safety agencies, the response, set up and deployment can take time, officials say.

“Its (DFR program) principal value is providing timely information that improves responder safety, situational awareness, and decision-making during the earliest stages of an emergency,” according to information provided to the Libertyville village board.

With DFR, a 911 telecommunicator can launch a drone that flies directly to the location of an emergency call and provide live video, thermal imagery and other information.

In Vernon Hills, trained on duty officers or operators listening to dispatches can determine whether to launch and control the drone on a tablet or computer.

Vernon Hills Police Chief Patrick Kreis was an early advocate of drone use, and his department deployed its first drone in 2017.

“I see our experiment with drones as first responders as a good opportunity,” he said. “It's my hope there will be some collective organization of this in the future.”

Kreis said the Glenview model “makes a lot of sense.”

“The concept is to allow participating public safety agencies to take advantage of the technology without each agency having to independently build and staff its own complete program,” Reynolds said.

Libertyville’s four-year agreement with Glenview allows for no charge for the first 11 months. Village staff recommended reviewing the program during that time to determine if extending the subscription at an anticipated $60,000 in the remaining three years is beneficial.

mzawislak@dailyherald.com