Toronto Police explore using drones as ‘first responders’

The Toronto Police Service is seeking details from companies who could potentially provide "first responder" drones for law enforcement.

| August 27, 2026 | News Analysis | 1 Comment

source: JHVEPhoto - stock.adobe.com

Toronto Police are exploring the use of drones as “first responders,” potentially deploying unmanned aircraft to support officers responding to calls across the city.

According to procurement documents reviewed by Rebel News, the Toronto Police Service (TPS) has issued a Request for Information seeking details from companies capable of providing a “Drone as a First Responder,” or DFR, system.

“The Toronto Police Service (TPS) is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to obtain market information regarding a Drone as a First Responder (DFR) to support policing operations,” reads the notice posted to the MERX procurement website.

TPS says it will provide prospective suppliers with baseline specifications and performance requirements based on the force's anticipated operational needs.

The specifications are intended to allow police to compare available technology rather than select a particular manufacturer or drone.

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The request is currently an information-gathering exercise, not a contract tender.

TPS says responses will be provided to internal subject-matter experts who will assess whether the technology is available and feasible for Toronto policing. If police determine there is sufficient interest and suitable technology on the market, TPS could subsequently launch a competitive procurement process.

“This RFI document does not form a competitive bid process or legal offer,” the procurement notice states.

Drone-first-responder programs generally involve deploying remotely operated aircraft to incidents before or alongside officers, potentially providing police with aerial information about a scene before personnel arrive.

The Toronto proposal remains in its exploratory stage.

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Sheila Gunn Reid

Chief Reporter

Sheila Gunn Reid is the Editor-in-Chief, Alberta Bureau Chief, member of the board of directors, and host of The Gunn Show at Rebel News. Sheila also serves as President of the Independent Press Gallery of Canada. A mother of three and longtime conservative activist, Sheila is the author of bestselling books, including her most recent release, Independence Blueprint: What Alberta Can Learn From Quebec.

https://mybook.to/sheila

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