National Real Time Crime Center Association and DRONERESPONDERS Announce DFR and Real-Time Crime Center Operations Agreement
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Strategic Partnership Will Advance Interoperability between Drone as First Responder and RTCC Operations across the U.S.
Scottsdale, Arizona — The National Real Time Crime Center Association (NRTCCA) today announced a strategic partnership with DRONERESPONDERS, uniting two national leaders in public safety innovation to maximize the operational benefits of integrating Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs with real-time crime center (RTCC) operations.
The collaboration will support public safety agencies as they move from concept to implementation, strengthening real-time decision-making, response efficiency and community safety outcomes through the coordinated use of DFR programs and real-time operations.
As part of the partnership, the NRTCCA and DRONERESPONDERS will establish a joint DRONERESPONDERS/NRTCCA Working Group. The group will focus on capturing, developing and sharing best practices for effectively integrating DFR programs with real-time crime center operations, with emphasis on policy development, governance, staffing models, technology integration and sustainable program design.
“The merging of real-time crime centers and DFR programs takes both programs to new heights and significantly enhances the safety of the communities served,” said Chief Charles L. Werner (Ret.), director of DRONERESPONDERS. “This partnership allows agencies to leverage proven operational frameworks while responsibly expanding the use of unmanned aircraft systems in public safety.”
Captain Abrem Ayana, director of Drone as First Responder for the NRTCCA, emphasized the operational focus of the collaboration.
“This partnership is about closing the gap between innovation and day-to-day operations,” Ayana said. “DRONERESPONDERS brings extensive experience in UAS policy, training and program development, while the NRTCCA focuses on how real-time tools are used when seconds matter. Together, we are giving agencies a clearer, more practical path to implementing DFR programs effectively.”
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to responsible technology adoption, transparency and real-world effectiveness, ensuring agencies can deploy advanced capabilities in ways that are operationally sound and publicly accountable.
Public safety professionals interested in participating in the DRONERESPONDERS/NRTCCA Working Group or learning more about the partnership may visit: www.droneresponders.org
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Brianna Alvarez, Program Manager, DRONERESPONDERS
Alexia Benson, Communications Director, NRTCCA
About DRONERESPONDERS
DRONERESPONDERS is the world’s leading non-profit program advancing public safety UAS, cUAS, and Advanced Air Mobility. The program provides data-driven insights, training, and operational best practices for first responders implementing drone and advanced aviation technologies in emergency response, law enforcement, fire service and disaster operations. DRONERESPONDERS is an official program of AIRT, the leading 501(c)3 non-profit organization advancing Drones For Good® and AAM For Good®.
About the National Real Time Crime Center Association (NRTCCA)
The National Real Time Crime Center Association (NRTCCA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the development, operation, and impact of Real Time Crime Centers across the United States. The association brings together law enforcement professionals, public safety leaders, and technology partners to share best practices, provide training, and support innovation in real-time operations.
Through national conferences, training programs, research initiatives, and strategic partnerships, the NRTCCA helps agencies improve situational awareness, operational coordination, and the responsible use of technology in public safety. The organization supports the growing role of real-time centers in modern policing, including the integration of video, analytics, drone programs, and data-driven decision making.
To learn more about the National Real Time Crime Center Association, visit www.nrtcca.org.
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