Palm Springs, CA

The Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD) has expanded its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, making it the largest first responder agency coverage area in the United States to be monitored by radar sensors rather than human observers. This expansion, covering a vast 37 square miles of Palm Springs, was facilitated by the implementation of MatrixSpace’s innovative low airspace awareness technology.

MatrixSpace’s radar sensors allow for improved situational awareness and safe flight operations, a critical component of the PSPD’s DFR program. The city has established multiple remote drone launch points that provide extensive coverage, while ensuring the safe separation of drones from general aviation and commercial aircraft. This expansion also supports Palm Springs’ recent application for a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) No Visual Observer (NVO) flight operations waiver, which would allow drones to fly Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) with a single operator. This capability will enable drones to operate at night and in adverse weather conditions.

Lieutenant William Hutchinson, the operations lead at PSPD, expressed excitement over the new developments, stating, “Taking this next step with MatrixSpace is a game-changer in terms of the speed, accuracy and efficiency it allows us to protect the Palm Springs public. Removing the need for a visual observer speeds up response time, dispatching drones in immediate response to incoming calls from multiple potential locations.”

The PSPD’s DFR program is designed to enhance public safety by de-escalating incidents, improving search and rescue operations, and assisting in locating and apprehending criminal suspects. The drones serve as a force multiplier for law enforcement agencies, providing critical support during emergency situations. The use of MatrixSpace’s radar system ensures that drone flights avoid interference from nearby aircraft, including those from Palm Springs International Airport, medical flights, and air tours in the region.

MatrixSpace’s radar sensors, which can operate in low light and adverse weather conditions, are crucial for enabling safe BVLOS operations. The sensors provide comprehensive situational awareness for both airborne and ground-based objects, helping first responders navigate complex airspace with precision. This technology also offers counter Unmanned Aircraft System (CUAS) detection and tracking capabilities, further enhancing safety.

Lori DeMatteis, Chief Revenue Officer of MatrixSpace, highlighted the broader implications of this collaboration, noting, “Palm Springs PD is at the forefront of fully utilizing DFR technologies to continually improve its capabilities. They also have a vision for scaling this beyond what other agencies have implemented, preparing for other operations which improve regional safety, and promote economic development.”

As Palm Springs spans 95 square miles and serves a population of about 46,000 residents, the expansion of the DFR program has significant potential for improving regional public safety. The city, part of the larger Coachella Valley with a combined population of approximately 470,000, also attracts millions of visitors each year. Lt. Hutchinson anticipates that this innovative infrastructure could extend beyond public safety and support future developments, such as air taxis and drone delivery systems, further enhancing the region’s technological capabilities.

MatrixSpace’s connected network of 360 Radars, which covers Palm Springs, allows for seamless drone operations across multiple launch points. With ten radar nodes now in place, PSPD is preparing for additional launch sites and future collaboration with neighboring public safety agencies, providing a foundation for a coordinated regional response system.

As this technology continues to evolve, MatrixSpace and PSPD aim to set a new standard in drone operations for law enforcement and public safety agencies across the United States and beyond.

For more information on PSPD’s Drone as First Responder program, visit Palm Springs Police Department Drone Program.