Flock Alpha in Action: Saving Lives Across Crime Response, Fire Emergencies, and Search & Rescue

Flock Safety’s newest aviation innovation, Flock Alpha, represents a defining leap forward in public safety technology. Designed and assembled by Flock Safety in Atlanta, Georgia, and compliant with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Flock Alpha sets a new standard for speed, flight endurance, and camera performance in Drone as First Responder (DFR) systems.

Available now through early access for agencies nationwide, Flock Alpha empowers law enforcement to reach emergency scenes in seconds, assess situations safely, and coordinate real-time responses, all within Flock’s integrated platform.

“Alpha has been designed from the ground up based on direct feedback from our public safety customers,” said Garrett Langley, CEO of Flock Safety. “Every feature supports emergency response, crime-solving, and saving lives.”

Built for Real Emergencies

Flock Alpha combines advanced engineering with the needs of first responders in mind. Capable of speeds up to 60 MPH, Flock Alpha is the fastest DFR drone available today. Its dual battery-swapping and contact-charging dock allows it to launch in mere seconds and redeploy in under 90 seconds, minimizing downtime during critical moments. With the longest flight time of any DFR quadcopter, Flock Alpha stays in the air longer to give agencies a sustained view of unfolding situations.

The system’s advanced camera can read a vehicle license plate from 2,000 feet away, while four cellular modems ensure strong and reliable connectivity across a community’s jurisdiction. When paired with FlockOS, License Plate Readers (LPRs), and audio detection tools, Flock Alpha becomes part of a seamless real-time safety network.

Rapid Response to Violent Crime

When a vehicle is linked to a violent offense, every moment counts in law enforcement’s response to ensure community safety. With Flock Alpha, a drone can be deployed immediately, without a pilot on-site.

From a computer in a Real-Time Crime Center to a mobile device in a patrol car, an analyst or officer can dispatch Flock Alpha directly from the same interface where the alert appeared. Within moments, Flock Alpha is airborne, flying towards the suspect vehicle and providing live video back to officers on the ground, dispatchers, and command.

This integration transforms response time. Instead of relying on delayed or secondhand updates, command staff and responding officers see the situation as it happens. That visibility can be the difference between safely detaining a suspect and risking a dangerous pursuit through crowded streets.

Agencies using Flock’s DFR system have already seen real-world success, deploying drones to locate violent offenders, de-escalate dangerous incidents, and increase officer awareness on every call. On average, DFR programs powered by Flock reach their destinations in just 86 seconds, with drones arriving first on scene 78% of the time. Departments report an 89% increase in suspects and vehicles located, and one in five calls are resolved without ever dispatching a patrol unit.

With Flock Alpha’s longer flight endurance, faster speeds, and advanced optics, those results are only expected to grow, empowering agencies to respond faster, gather critical context to respond appropriately, and keep both officers and the public safe.

Enhance Safety During Traffic Collisions and Emergencies

Not every emergency involves a suspect on the run. Flock Alpha’s endurance and speed also make it a powerful tool for responding to vehicle collisions, natural disasters, or medical emergencies.

In one example, a call about a serious crash triggers the deployment of Flock Alpha. The drone arrives at the scene in under a minute, long before ground units can reach the area, providing real-time visuals of vehicle positions, traffic flow, and potential hazards, such as downed power lines or fires.

This live view helps dispatchers route ambulances efficiently, guide first responders safely into the scene, and keep other motorists out of harm’s way. Later, recorded footage can assist investigators and city engineers in understanding the contributing factors, including visibility issues and road design.

The result is faster, smarter, and safer responses that keep roads and communities moving, even in moments of crisis.

Fire Response and Hazard Assessment

Fire departments are increasingly turning to DFR technology to stay ahead of quickly evolving situations. With Flock Alpha’s rapid deployment and high-definition optics, crews gain a live overhead view within seconds of dispatch.

From the air, Flock Alpha helps incident commanders identify hot spots, monitor fire spread, and direct teams to priority areas. Its extended flight endurance enables continuous situational awareness, even as ground units reposition or weather conditions shift.

In large-scale emergencies or multi-structure fires, Flock Alpha’s aerial view becomes indispensable, enabling decision-makers to allocate resources effectively, maintain firefighter safety, and minimize property damage.

Search and Rescue or Missing Persons

When every second matters in locating a missing person, Flock Alpha extends visibility far beyond what ground teams can achieve on their own.

Equipped with advanced imaging and thermal capabilities, Flock Alpha can quickly scan broad areas, detecting heat signatures that might otherwise go unseen in wooded terrain, low-light conditions, or severe weather.

By streaming live video to command centers or first responders in the field, Flock Alpha helps guide search teams directly to potential targets, reducing search times and increasing the likelihood of a safe recovery. Its reliable connectivity and extended flight time ensure continuous coverage in situations where ground access is limited.

The Future of Drone as First Responder Programs

By uniting speed, endurance, and intelligence in one platform, Flock Alpha redefines what agencies can expect from a drone system. When combined with Flock’s proven ecosystem, LPRs, audio detection, and FlockOS, it delivers a single, cohesive real-time response tool for modern policing and community safety.