Emergency drones now launch from 911 calls instantly with Flock

Flock Safety is taking emergency response to new heights — literally. The Atlanta-based tech company just announced a game-changing update: drones that launch the second a 911 call comes in. It’s called Flock911 for Aerodome, and it’s officially the first system in the US that allows police drones to deploy based on a live 911 call — before it’s even entered into dispatch.

The best part? It’s completely free for any law enforcement agency already using Flock’s Aerodome Drone As First Responder (DFR) system.

Here’s how it works: When someone dials 911, that call usually has to go through a dispatcher who inputs the info into a computer system — a delay that can eat up precious minutes. So much so, average police response times often exceed six minutes in major US cities, which is a minute longer than the National Fire Protection Association’s widely followed five-minute standard. 

Flock911, powered by Prepared, eliminates that lag by instantly streaming real-time 911 transcriptions and location data straight to DFR pilots. So as the call is happening, a drone can already be in the air and headed to the scene.

Flock says their automated drone system responds in an average of 86 seconds, meaning in many cases, aerial support could be overhead before the dispatcher even finishes typing.

“As a former first responder, I know seconds matter,” says Rahul Sidhu, VP of aviation at Flock Safety. “Now, with this direct link between 911 and drones, agencies can be in the air responding before they’re even officially dispatched.”

Police departments are already seeing the benefits. Chief Mike Carlson of the Dunwoody Police Department in Georgia calls the integration “transformational,” saying it boosts officer awareness and gives them a huge edge in preventing crime before it escalates.

“With real-time intelligence and aerial support, we can proactively address threats, improve situational awareness, and ensure a safer environment for everyone. This technology isn’t just about solving crime-it’s about preventing it and keeping our community secure,” says Carlson.

Flock’s drone and license plate recognition tech is already being used in over 5,000 communities across the country, with more than 4,800 police departments on board. And with this new 911 integration, the future of real-time emergency response just got a serious upgrade.

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