The Edinburg Police Department is set to become the first law enforcement agency in the Rio Grande Valley to launch a drone as first responder program.

It’s an innovative initiative designed to enhance emergency response and lifesaving capabilities, according to a news release.

The DFR initiative will deploy drones to respond to emergency calls, the news release states. 

“Equipped with high-definition cameras and thermal night vision, the drones can often arrive at the scene faster than the first responding officer by car,” the news release said.

As part of the program, live-streamed aerial footage will be provided to increase safety for both officers and the community.

“This is a historic step forward for public safety in the Rio Grande Valley,” Edinburg Police Chief Jaime Ayala said in a statement. “The Drone First Responder Program gives us the ability to reach people faster, assess threats sooner, and potentially save lives in ways we couldn’t before. It’s about smarter policing, quicker aid, and safer outcomes—for both our officers and our residents.”

The program is being funded by the United States Treasury Department’s Asset Forfeiture Program.