Perris Sheriff’s Station Launches Drone for First Responder Program

PERRIS, Calif. (December 11, 2025) - The Riverside County Sheriff's Office - Perris Station has launched a new Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program, commonly known as Drone for First Responder (DFR), designed to enhance public safety and provide critical real-time support to residents and deputies across the City of Perris.

At the City Council meeting on July 25, 2025, the Perris City Council unanimously approved the two-yea contract with Aerodome for the use of Drones as a First Responder (DFR). The authorization of the unmanned drone is part of the Council's ongoing efforts to prioritize public safety, with an estimated 78 percent of service calls can be responded to first by the drone.

The DFR program increases the Perris Sherriff's Station's ability to respond quickly and effectively to calls for service by deploying a drone directly to an incident scene, often arriving within minutes. This rapid response capability provides deputies with immediate situational awareness, allowing them to better locate and track suspects, monitor vehicles involved in crimes, assist in searches for missing persons, and enhance the overall safety of deputies and the community.

"The Drone for First Responder program is a major step forward in our efforts to protect the residents of Perris," said Captain Kevin Lamb, Perris Station. "This technology allows our deputies to make informed decisions, respond more efficiently, and keep our community safer."

Each drone is operated by highly trained deputies who are certified under the FAA Part 107 guidelines, ensuring safe and responsible operation. The Sheriff's Office emphasized that the drones are only deployed in direct response to calls for service, and are not used for proactive policing, routine patrol, or surveillance outside of active incidents.

"Our priority is public safety and transparency," said Lamb. "This tool allows us to bring vital resources to the scene faster than ever before, supporting both our deputies and the community during critical moments."

The DFR program reflects an ongoing commitment by the Riverside County Sheriff's Office - Perris Station to utilize emerging technologies responsibly and effectively to enhance emergency response and community wellbeing.

For more information about the Drone for First Responder program, please contact the Perris Station Public Information Office.

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