On June 14, 2025, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) utilized a Skydio X10 drone to oversee crowds during the No Kings protests along Fifth Avenue, marking a significant moment in urban drone surveillance.
Amid ongoing demonstrations against President Trump and his administration, the NYPD’s Technical Assistance Response Unit (TARU), a specialized team focused on technical and tactical support, deployed the drone to enhance crowd monitoring efforts.
This operation highlights the growing role of drones in law enforcement, even as the city faced almost non-stop rain, showcasing the Skydio X10’s resilience in challenging conditions.
Advanced Technology in Action
The Skydio X10, operated by TARU officers, demonstrated impressive capabilities during the event. The drone’s real-time 3D mapping technology enabled it to navigate obstacles effectively, a feature that proved critical on a different occasion, about which an officer noted:
“I was impressed with the Skydio drone’s ability to avoid obstacles when the drone made an emergency landing on the roof of a building, after the Skydio X10 had lost the connection.”
This technology ensures safer flights, especially in dense urban environments like Manhattan.
The drone’s battery was swapped mid-operation, allowing near-continuous aerial surveillance alongside the NYPD’s network of fixed and body-worn cameras.
Weighing approximately 2.6 pounds (1.2 kilograms), the Skydio X10 is designed for endurance and can operate for up to 40 minutes per charge, a practical asset for prolonged monitoring tasks.
Shift to Domestic Drone Manufacturers
A notable industry trend emerged as a TARU agent explained, “The entire NYPD now has to fly Skydio drones”, instead of the less expensive and often more capable DJI drones.
This shift reflects a broader move toward U.S.-based manufacturers like Skydio, driven by security concerns over foreign-made drones, particularly those from DJI, a Chinese company.
While DJI drones remain popular among recreational pilots for their affordability and advanced features, the NYPD’s adoption of Skydio aligns with federal recommendations and political pressures to prioritize domestic technology. This change may increase operational costs, with Skydio drones typically priced significantly higher compared to DJI’s range starting at $500 USD.
Regulatory and Operational Implications
Flying drones over crowds requires strict adherence to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. A TARU officer emphasized the need for Certificates of Authorization (COA), stating, “In order to fly over people the NYPD needed approval from the FAA.”
Unauthorized drone flights over New York City can lead to fairly severe consequences, including drone confiscation, fines or jail time of up to three years, depending on the violation’s severity.
During the protests, a smaller, possibly DJI drone was spotted flying north over Fifth Avenue, possibly operated by a civilian, raising questions about compliance. This possible incident underscores the challenges of regulating drone use in crowded urban areas.
The presence of the Skydio X10, alongside numerous officers on the ground, illustrates a multi-layered approach to crowd management. As drone technology evolves, its integration into law enforcement continues to spark debates about privacy, cost, and effectiveness.
For drone professionals and enthusiasts, this event serves as a case study in how advanced aerial tools can adapt to real-world conditions while navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
