Mooresville Police Launch Drone First Responder Program

MOORESVILLE, NC — The Mooresville Police Department (MPD) has officially launched its new Drone First Responder (DFR) program, an initiative designed to provide faster aerial response and enhance public safety across the community.

The DFR program equips MPD with six drones — three stationed at department headquarters and three at One Mooresville Center — capable of responding to incidents within a 3.5-mile radius at speeds of up to 55 miles per hour. The drones provide aerial coverage and critical situational awareness before officers and other first responders arrive on scene.

When the nature of a 911 call warrants deployment, a trained operator based at MPD headquarters launches and pilots the drone remotely. The operator communicates directly with officers en route or already on scene, delivering real-time updates and visual intelligence to help guide response efforts.

Officials say the new technology will allow the department to respond more effectively to high-risk situations, assist in locating missing persons and fleeing suspects, and support investigators with traffic crash and crime scene documentation.

“Part of our mission is to be prepared for the future,” said Chief Ron Campurciani. “This technology allows us to be more informed situationally, so our responses can be precise and efficient, no matter the incident.”

The DFR program is the first of its kind in Iredell County and reflects MPD’s commitment to innovation. The system integrates with the department’s Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, which manages 911 calls, logs incident details, and coordinates response efforts. The drones rely on GPS coordinates from CAD — not solely 911 call data — to pinpoint response locations. Radar technology is used to detect and avoid other aircraft during flight operations, enhancing safety.

In addition to operational benefits, the program promotes transparency within the community. Drone activity is automatically tracked and logged in a publicly accessible online portal known as the Mooresville Flight Dashboard. The dashboard provides real-time data on call volume, average response times, types of incidents, and visual flight paths that map each drone’s route.

Department leaders say the initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to public safety, positioning Mooresville at the forefront of law enforcement technology in the region.