New drones to give first responders eyes on-scene in seconds, Coral Springs cops say

First responders will get a new perspective in the coming months after the City Commission approved a contract between Axon and the Coral Springs Police Department to expand its Drone First Responder Program.

Chief Brad Mock requested $465,436 from the city Wednesday night to expand the program, which he said allows emergency workers to improve situational awareness and save lives — all in less than a minute.

The new drones and docks would be stationed at police headquarters and two fire stations, locations Mock said would allow first responders to have eyes on the ground anywhere in the city in 30 to 40 seconds, resulting in improved efficiency and response time.

He called particular attention to drowning cases, where it can be easier to find a victim from the air than the ground.

“When we have a child in a pool, the fastest way we can locate that child with direct officers is from the air,” Mock said during the May 20 meeting. “Currently we’re walking yard to yard, we’re using foot traffic. But the higher we get, the more elevation we have, the faster we can see things.”

Mock said the drones would also be used in “critical incidents, in-progress incidents, fleeing felon, fleeing subject, anything that is a public safety concern,” as well as missing person cases.

The City Commission approved funding to expand the program. .

Money for the program comes from forfeiture funds, which come from the sale of assets law enforcement officials obtain during investigations and prosecutions, and a grant program, Mock said.

Drones will be purchased through the department’s existing agreement with Axon, which sells body cameras and other law enforcement products.

The approval adds to CSPD surveillance powers, which were previously bolstered by a state grant for purchasing controversial Flock license plate readers.

Other items approved

A freeze on new smoke and vape shops opening in Coral Springs was extended for six months. City staff cited the increased presence of those businesses and the public health threat of tobacco and e-cigarettes, as well as a desire to diversify shopping options.

The FY2026 operating and capital budgets were also approved, alongside appointments:

• Joshua Simmons to the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, replacing former Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer
• Arlene Wilson to the Community-Involved Government Committee
• Bruce Kozlowski, Steven Arbogast and Dean Morrison to the Nuisance Abatement Board