Florence, South Carolina – A year of steady buildup has now turned into a citywide public safety tool in Florence, where the Police Department says its Drone First Responder program is now fully in place.
Powered by Paladin, the system has been expanded over the past year through a network of strategically positioned docked drones designed to respond to calls for service across the city.
With the installation of its final drone, the department says the program now provides full coverage throughout Florence, marking the completion of a project aimed at bringing faster information and stronger support to officers in the field.
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The value of the system begins before an officer even reaches a scene. By sending a drone ahead, police can gather live aerial information in real time, allowing responding personnel to better understand what is happening before they arrive.
That early view can help shape decisions in fast-moving situations, improve response times, and reduce uncertainty during critical calls.
Department officials say the program can assist in a wide range of situations. Drones can help track suspects, search for missing people, and follow fleeing vehicles.
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They can also play an important role in de-escalation by giving officers a clearer picture of a situation from above, helping them approach scenes with more awareness and, potentially, greater restraint.
The technology also adds another layer of protection for first responders. In higher-risk situations, officers may no longer need to move immediately into dangerous areas without first understanding the conditions on the ground.
That added visibility can improve safety while giving teams more time to choose the best response.
Beyond emergency calls, the drones are expected to support operations during large public events, traffic incidents, and natural disasters. The department also noted that the program can provide video evidence that may later prove useful in investigations and prosecutions.
For Florence police, the completed rollout represents more than the arrival of new equipment. It signals a broader shift in how the department uses technology to serve the public.
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Officials describe the Drone First Responder program as a force multiplier, one that extends awareness, sharpens response, and strengthens the department’s ability to protect both the community and the officers sworn to serve it.
