The Aurora Police Department's Drone-as-First-Responder (DFR) program aims to enhance the efficiency and productivity of first responders by integrating drone technology. This initiative seeks to change the way incidents are managed, improve situational awareness, enhance safety for first responders and the community, and support proactive policing efforts. The DFR program strictly prohibits the use of drones in ways that violate an individual's reasonable expectation of privacy. DFR operations are managed through the Real-Time Information Center (RTIC) to supplement and enhance traditional patrol responses.
 

The drone technology used by the RTIC offers advanced capabilities for various flight missions, including aiding criminal investigations, apprehending offenders, the detection and prevention of criminal activity, assisting during calls for service, locating missing people, and emergency management response. In addition to facilitating the communication of critical information, the RTIC will capture video and images to gather evidence, ultimately enhancing the chances of successfully prosecuting cases. The Aurora Police Department strives to partner with the community to ensure transparency of the program. To help achieve transparency, the drone system tracks and logs all drone flights, which APD makes available.