San Francisco Police Deploy Drones to Combat Crime, Hailing Them as ‘Game Changers’

The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) has integrated six safety drones into its crime-fighting arsenal, a move local officials are calling “transformative” in the wake of Proposition E’s passage. This information comes from a report by KRON4.

Drones Delivering Results

According to SFPD Chief Bill Scott, the incorporation of drones and License Plate Readers (ALPRs) has led to significant improvements in crime reduction:

• Car break-ins, a long-standing issue in San Francisco, have decreased by 57% compared to the previous year.
• Over 7,000 fewer car break-ins were reported in 2023.

Chief Scott emphasized the effectiveness of the new technology, stating, “This technology is only as good as the people who use it, who use it effectively and fairly… We believe in all of our hearts that this is a game changer.”

Drones in Action

The SFPD shared specific cases highlighting the drones’ effectiveness:

1. On July 26, a drone tracked suspects on dirt bikes breaking into cars around the Embarcadero, enabling officers to make arrests without a car chase.
2. The following day, drones helped locate a car theft crew, leading to arrests and recovery of stolen property.

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins praised the drones’ ability to gather evidence, noting, “The drones are capturing evidence that my office can use in the courtroom in our fight for justice for residents.”

Operational Guidelines

Chief Scott addressed concerns about privacy and regulation:

• Footage unrelated to criminal evidence is automatically deleted within 30 days.
• All drone operators must be FAA Part 107 certified.
• The department is operating within state laws.

Expansion Plans

The SFPD currently operates six drones but hopes to expand its fleet. This marks the first time in 24 years that the department has had air support capabilities.

DroneXL’s Take

The successful deployment of drones by the SFPD showcases the growing trend of police drone use in law enforcement operations. As we’ve seen in recent articles on DroneXL, drones are increasingly becoming invaluable tools for First Responders, offering enhanced situational awareness and evidence-gathering capabilities. The SFPD’s experience aligns with the broader shift towards integrating Drone Technology in public safety efforts, potentially setting a precedent for other urban police departments across the United States.

Photo courtesy of SFPD