From Lost to Found: How Alhambra PD’s Drone Program Found a Missing Woman in Minutes

On February 8, 2025, the Alhambra Police Department demonstrated exactly how public safety innovation can mean the difference between a nightmare and a reunion. Amid the joyous celebration of the city’s annual Lunar New Year festival—with more than 10,000 attendees—an elderly woman living with dementia vanished into the crowd.

Armed only with a vague description—elderly woman with dark clothing and a red bag (the same kind being handed out by vendors)—officers were facing a needle-in-a-haystack situation.

But thanks to Alhambra PD’s Drone as First Responder (DFR) program powered by the Flock Aerodome platform, the outcome was swift and heartening. Within minutes, the department’s teleoperator launched a drone, systematically scanned the crowd, and identified the woman based on her behavior and appearance. Officers were then guided directly to her location. Resulting in her being reunited with her family before the situation escalated.

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A Tool Built From the Ground Up

Sergeant Brian Chung, who oversees Alhambra PD’s drone program, recalls how it all began. In 2018, as a patrol officer and drone hobbyist, he and a partner saw the potential of aerial support in a city where airships weren’t always available. Their vision gained traction, and over the years, the department transitioned from tactical deployments to a fully operational DFR program.

Sgt. Chung credits the department’s choice to adopt the Flock Aerodome platform for its seamless integration, intuitive software, and ability to interface with internal systems—making it the superior choice after evaluating multiple vendors.

Beyond Emergencies: The Broader Value of DFR

While the missing persons case is a compelling example, Sgt. Chung highlighted other surprising benefits of drone technology:

• Pursuit Risk Reduction: Command staff can cancel dangerous vehicle pursuits based on real-time drone feeds.
• City-Wide Coordination: Drones provided aerial damage assessments during a severe windstorm, helping multiple departments make fast, informed decisions.
• Force Multiplier: With limited ground units, drones can respond to lower-priority calls and clear scenes—saving valuable time and resources.

What’s Next for DFR?

As Sgt. Chung sees it, the future of DFR lies not just in crime-fighting, but in enhancing citywide coordination, providing real-time visibility, and enabling smarter decision-making.

“We’re not just flying drones to find suspects. We’re flying to keep people safe—whether it’s locating a missing loved one, clearing a dangerous scene, or protecting officers on the ground.” – Sgt. Chung

Alhambra’s story is one of preparedness, vision, and a commitment to innovation. And for one family in February, it meant everything.