Orange Beach Agrees to Test Drones As First Responders
By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News
September 17, 2026
ORANGE BEACH, Ala.
ORANGE BEACH, Ala. At the Orange Beach Tuesday’s meeting, the council meeting, many items were on the agenda, including reviewing a proposal to use drones as a first responder.
Motorola Solutions, Incorporated, maker of the BRINC drones used at public safety agencies across the country, has offered to provide the city with a one-year, no-cost trial program.
Th city has agreed to the one-year trial.
The program will provide training, supply the drones and assist in the overview of the emergency dispatch drone response program.
Drone First Responder Trial: Reviewing a product agreement with Motorola Solutions, Inc. for a one-year, no-cost trial program utilizing BRINC drones for emergency dispatch.
These drones are being used by fire departments, EMS and law enforcement in a variety of applications including response to 911 calls so that dispatch and responders can get a birds eye view of what’s happening or not happening on scene before they arrive allowing responders to assess the situation before arriving.
One of the largest police departments using the drone is the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department which launched their program in 2024.
Now, drones are able to respond to calls for service alongside officers.
Metro’s Drone Program Manager, Steven Oscar, says the unit is not doing random surveillance, they’re only launched when they’re assigned to a call.
Oscar says they respond to high profile calls like active assaults, burglaries or vehicle theft. They’ll also respond to calls where surveillance will give officers a “significant tactical advantage.”
Police Chief Trent Johnson stated it will be a big help in water rescues, crime scenes and emergencies.
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