The DRPS Drone as First Responder Pilot Project Durham Region has officially launched, marking a major step forward in emergency response innovation across the community.
The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) announced the rollout of its first-ever Drone as First Responder (DFR) system on February 17, 2026. The pilot program deploys remotely operated drones to certain emergency calls, often arriving on scene within approximately 60 seconds to provide real-time situational awareness to officers.
The DRPS Drone as First Responder Pilot Project Durham Region is one of the first initiatives of its kind in Canada. The system allows officers to assess risks early, plan safer approaches and coordinate more effectively before physically arriving at a scene.
Drone dock sites have been strategically placed across Durham Region to provide overlapping coverage. Several sites are already operational, with additional locations nearing completion.
Chief Peter Moreira emphasized that the program reflects DRPS’s commitment to responsible innovation, stating that the initiative enables officers to “respond faster, see more, and make better-informed decisions—while maintaining strong privacy protections and public transparency.”
Privacy Protections
DRPS confirmed the DRPS Drone as First Responder Pilot Project Durham Region:
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Is not used for general surveillance
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Does not use facial recognition or automated identification
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Only launches for specific emergency or operational incidents
All operations comply with Transport Canada authorizations, provincial and federal privacy legislation, and an approved Privacy Impact Assessment.
When Drones Will Be Used
The drone system may support:
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Unknown or high-risk calls
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Missing persons investigations
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Large or evolving emergency scenes
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Natural disasters
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Situations requiring rapid aerial intelligence
By providing real-time overhead views, the pilot aims to improve officer and public safety.
Community Information Night in Ajax
To promote transparency, DRPS will host a public information session about the DRPS Drone as First Responder Pilot Project Durham Region.
Location: Audley Recreation Centre, Ajax
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The event will include:
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Live drone demonstrations
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Meet-and-greet with drone pilots
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Information on operations and oversight
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Details on privacy safeguards
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Discussion on how the pilot supports community safety
Throughout the pilot, DRPS will collect data on response times, operational effectiveness and safety outcomes to guide future funding and decision-making.
