Resources
Everything to plan, justify, and run a credible drone program.
One hub for the downloadable vault, the full template library, and our interactive planning tools.
Free public resources are open to everyone. Member, Agency, and Corporate tiers unlock the full SOPs, the DFR blueprint, and the BVLOS waiver kit.
DFR Operational Readiness Guide
Pre-go-live checklist — pilot certifications, dispatch SOPs, after-action templates, and audit-ready logs.
- Smarter Response, Safer Cities: DFR Program Blueprint Vol. 2
Quantifying Image Resolution with Effective GSD
Reference paper for evidence-grade aerial imagery — sensor, altitude, and post-processing math the courts accept.
- Precision UAV Photogrammetry: RTK Module Performance for Mapping
- Wildfire Management: Drones as a Vital Tool for Utilities & Mutual Aid
DFPSA Regulatory Services: Public Safety Engagement Overview
How DFPSA members tap our regulatory desk for COAs, Part 91 waivers, and ARC engagement with the FAA.
- Drone as First Responder Program Blueprint
Smarter Response, Safer Cities: DFR Program Blueprint Vol. 2
A field-tested blueprint covering staffing, airspace, community engagement, and KPIs from 40+ live Drone as First Responder programs.
- DFR Operational Readiness Guide
How to Obtain a Public Safety Part 91 BVLOS Waiver
Step-by-step package: safety case, ConOps narrative, risk matrix, and the exact language reviewers expect.
- Public Agency COA Application Guide
- BVLOS Waiver Application Kit
Case Study: OKC Police & Fire Save Man Hit by Train
How joint DFR overwatch shaved 9 minutes off EMS arrival and guided rescue to an unreachable embankment.
- Case Study: Cincinnati PD Locates Missing Person in Mental Health Crisis
Site Security for Correctional Facilities: Patrol. Verify. Respond.
Perimeter intrusion playbook for jails and prisons, including contraband interdiction and yard-incident response.
- DFR for Academic Campuses
Webinar: 1 Remote Operator. 2 Inspections. 1 Response.
How utilities and public-safety teams share a remote flight deck for routine inspections plus emergency calls.
- Webinar: Multi-Drone DFR — One Command Across Active Calls
Precision UAV Photogrammetry: RTK Module Performance for Mapping
Bench-to-field accuracy study for accident reconstruction and post-disaster mapping with RTK-equipped airframes.
- Quantifying Image Resolution with Effective GSD
- Wildfire Management: Drones as a Vital Tool for Utilities & Mutual Aid
Building a Defensible DFR Policy
How leading agencies craft DFR policy that holds up to public records requests, civil liberties review, and city-council scrutiny.
Wildfire Management: Drones as a Vital Tool for Utilities & Mutual Aid
White paper on aerial ignition detection, perimeter mapping, and cross-agency coordination with utility partners.
- Quantifying Image Resolution with Effective GSD
- Precision UAV Photogrammetry: RTK Module Performance for Mapping
Dock-Based DFR: Reference Architecture Datasheet
Spec sheet for autonomous docked operations — power, comms, redundancy, and integration with CAD/RMS.
Case Study: Cincinnati PD Locates Missing Person in Mental Health Crisis
A 14-minute DFR response that ended a 3-hour ground search and avoided a use-of-force encounter.
- Case Study: OKC Police & Fire Save Man Hit by Train
DFR for Academic Campuses
Solution sheet for university and K-12 deployments — coverage planning, lockdown protocols, and parent communications.
- Site Security for Correctional Facilities: Patrol. Verify. Respond.
Webinar: Multi-Drone DFR — One Command Across Active Calls
Live demo of coordinating multiple airframes across simultaneous calls with a single tactical flight officer.
- Webinar: 1 Remote Operator. 2 Inspections. 1 Response.
Public Agency COA Application Guide
Step-by-step walkthrough for filing a Certificate of Authorization.
- How to Obtain a Public Safety Part 91 BVLOS Waiver
- BVLOS Waiver Application Kit
Daily Pre-flight Checklist
Printable pre-flight checklist for public safety UAS teams.
Night Operations Field Guide
Lighting, anti-collision, and crew planning for after-dark flights.
- Thermal Imaging Playbook
BVLOS Waiver Application Kit
Sample narrative, risk assessment, and supporting docs for BVLOS waivers.
- How to Obtain a Public Safety Part 91 BVLOS Waiver
- Public Agency COA Application Guide
Drone as First Responder Program Blueprint
How to design, fund, and launch a DFR program in your agency.
- DFPSA Regulatory Services: Public Safety Engagement Overview
FAA Part 107 Quick Reference
One-page summary of Part 107 rules every public safety pilot should know.
- How to Obtain a Public Safety Part 91 BVLOS Waiver
- Public Agency COA Application Guide
Search & Rescue UAS SOP Template
Editable standard operating procedure template for SAR drone deployments.
Thermal Imaging Playbook
Tactics for using FLIR-equipped drones on fire and SAR calls.
- Night Operations Field Guide