On November 6, 2026, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) announced the launch of a public-facing Drone as First Responder (DFR) Transparency Portal. The portal will provide residents with information about the Department's use of drone technology in response to 911 calls and other public safety efforts.

According to Chief Robert J. Tracy, the portal aims to enhance transparency and public trust by allowing the community to see how drones are utilized in emergency situations. Residents can access the portal at SLMPD.org/ARUtransparency.

Press Release: St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department

Published November 6, 2026. Reproduced in full from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

SLMPD Launches Public Transparency Portal for Aerial Response Unit

ST. LOUIS, MO: As the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) begins implementing its new Aerial Response Unit, the Department is taking another significant step in its commitment to openness, accountability, and transparency with the launch of a public-facing Drone as First Responder (DFR) Transparency Portal.

The online portal will give residents an unprecedented look at how the Department is utilizing drone technology to respond to 911 calls, support officers in the field, and enhance public safety throughout the City of St. Louis.

Through the transparency portal, residents will be able to review:

  • Drone Flights and Flight Paths: Information about drone deployments, including where drones have flown and how frequently they are being utilized.
  • Assistance with Arrests: The number of incidents in which drone technology assisted officers in locating or apprehending suspects.
  • Calls Resolved Without Officer Dispatch: Instances where drone technology helped assess a call for service and allowed officers to be redirected to other emergencies without responding to the original location.
  • First on Scene: How frequently drones arrived at emergency calls before responding officers, providing real-time situational awareness.
  • Average Flight Time: Data showing how long drones are deployed during emergency responses.
  • Objects Located: Information about vehicles, firearms, and other objects located with assistance from drone technology.
  • Deployment Information: Details about how and why drones were utilized during calls for service.

“Transparency and public trust must be at the center of how we introduce new technology into policing,” said Chief Robert J. Tracy. “We want the people of St. Louis to see how these drones are being used, where they are responding, and the difference they are making. This portal provides our community with a direct look at how we’re using this technology to support officers, improve emergency response, and make informed decisions when seconds matter most.”

The launch follows the St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners’ approval of special orders governing the Aerial Response Unit, which established guidelines for the Department’s use of drone technology.

The Department began its phased implementation of the Drone as First Responder program this week, with initial operations in the North and Central Patrol areas. Installation continues in South Patrol, where expanded coverage is anticipated later this month.

The Department emphasizes that its drones are non-weaponized and designed to supplement traditional police response by providing responding officers with critical real-time information.

The transparency portal is part of the SLMPD’s broader commitment to ensuring that innovation in public safety is accompanied by meaningful accountability and public access to information.

As the Aerial Response Unit expands, the Department will continue sharing information about its operations, capabilities, and impact on emergency response.

Residents can access the Aerial Response Unit Transparency Portal by visiting: SLMPD.org/ARUtransparency