Photo Credit: Conroe Police DepartmentNews
Conroe Police Department launches Drone First Responder Program
The Conroe Police Department is proud to announce the launch of its Drone First Responder (DFR) Program, an innovative public safety initiative that uses drones to provide real-time aerial intelligence during calls for service.
View the video below from the Conroe Police Department Press Conference held on June 23, 2026:
At the December 11, 2025, City of Conroe Council meeting, Chief Jon Buckholtz was authorized to use seized asset funds to purchase two American-made Skydio X10 drones and two docking stations to implement a DFR program. The implementation phase of the DFR program was funded entirely through funds seized from criminal activity; no taxpayer dollars were used. This allows those seized funds to be reinvested directly into public safety.
The DFR program strategically places docking stations for the drones throughout the city. From a remote location, trained and FAA-certified Part 107 pilots can rapidly deploy the drones to certain calls for service. These drones can arrive on scene before officers and provide real-time aerial video to responding officers and dispatch personnel.
This technology enhances situational awareness, supports safer decision-making, and enables more efficient use of police resources.
What the Conroe Police Department DFR Program Will Help Accomplish:
- Faster Response Times: Drones can fly directly to incidents, avoiding traffic delays and arriving ahead of officers
- Enhanced Officer Safety: Real-time aerial video provides critical information before officers arrive on scene
- Improved Crime Response: Assists in locating suspects involved in criminal activity and during incidents of suspects fleeing the scene
- Search and Rescue: Assists in locating missing children and vulnerable adults
- Efficient Call Handling: Allows officers to assess certain calls (such as suspicious activity or hazards) remotely, potentially resolving them without dispatching an officer
- Traffic and Crash Management: Provides aerial views of crash scenes and congestion to help direct traffic and allocate resources effectively
- Fire Department Support: Offers valuable aerial perspectives to assist the Conroe Fire Department during fires and other emergencies
The Conroe Police Department will operate this program using certified pilots in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The department is committed to maintaining transparency while safeguarding the community’s privacy and civil liberties. There will be a link on the Conroe Police Department webpage that describes the DFR program and provides access to a transparency portal showing recent drone flight paths.
Many agencies across the United States, including agencies in Texas, utilize this platform or a similar one. The Conroe Police Department is constantly striving to use new technology to achieve better results and keep our officers and community safe.
To learn more about the equipment and program being used by the Conroe Police Department, you can visit the following Skydio website: https://www.skydio.com/solutions/dfr
Source: Conroe Police Department
