Public Safety Commission approves $700,000 allocation to expand drone first responder docks

The Public Safety Commission on April X approved up to $700,000 in federal CESS funds to add DFR (Drone First Responder) docks at the Texas Capitol complex and the Alamo, part of an expansion of the Department of Public Safety's drone program.

The decision followed a presentation by Stacy Holland, chief pilot for the Department's Aircraft Operations division, and Assistant Chief Marcus Tomlin, who described the DFR system's capabilities and operational benefits. Tomlin said the DFR docked aircraft (the X10) are NDAA-compliant, have about a 40-minute flight endurance, a roughly 45 mph top speed and integrated anti-collision systems that support the Department's beyond-visual-line-of-sight waiver for up to 200 feet of autonomous docked operation.

The presentation outlined how DFR can provide near-immediate airborne observation "prior to even ground units arriving on scene," offering perimeter patrol for critical infrastructure and mutual-aid support to local agencies. Tomlin noted that, since installing two docks, DPS recorded 275 flights, 65 flight hours and 102 agency assists in a recent 90-day window (January'March), including support to Austin Police Department.

Commissioners asked about cost and operational limits. Holland described the procurement as subscription-based, quoting an approximate three-year subscription figure and additional annual costs, and said the lease/support model provides repairs, map and software updates. On altitude, presenters explained that hand-launched X10s operated under standard Part 107 rules can fly up to 400 feet, but the Department's autonomous docked operations under its waiver are limited to 200 feet.

Lieutenant Colonel Taylor asked the commission to authorize an allocation "not to exceed $700,000" to add a dock at the Alamo and another at the Capitol and to cover associated services. Commissioner Blair moved and Commissioner Hord seconded the motion; the commission voted in favor.

The allocation will be applied from federal CESS balances that the Department reported as available; staff told commissioners the sum would be incorporated into next fiscal budgeting for ongoing DFR program costs, including lifecycle and support expenses.

Officials said they are evaluating further integrations (for example, cloud-based mission management and automated triggers) and do not currently use Axon Fus but may consider it in the future. DPS described the DFR program as complementary to local agencies that might install multiple docks across an urban footprint.

The commission recorded the vote and approved the requested allocation. Next steps include procurement actions and budgeting work to fund long-term sustainment of the expanded drone capability.