NYPD Drone Thwarts Brooklyn Break-In, Showcasing Advanced Policing Technology

On a quiet night in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, an NYPD drone proved its worth by helping apprehend two burglary suspects in minutes, highlighting the growing role of drones in urban policing. Exclusive video footage from the NYPD shows the drone’s rapid response to a 911 call, tracking suspects and guiding officers to their location with precision.

Swift Response and Advanced Tracking

The incident unfolded on Winthrop Street when a 911 call reported a break-in. Within three minutes, the NYPD deployed a drone equipped with an infrared camera, while ground officers raced to the scene. The drone captured the suspects climbing out a back window, hopping a fence, and attempting to hide.

As one suspect jumped down to flee, the drone’s thermal imaging maintained a clear view, allowing the pilot to relay real-time coordinates to officers. “The drone pilot guided officers to the hiding suspect’s location,” an NYPD spokesperson confirmed in the footage summary. Both suspects were arrested and charged with burglary-related offenses shortly after.

The drone’s ability to operate at night and track movement through obstacles like fences underscores its technical edge. With a flight range of a few miles and the capacity to hover at 400 feet (120 meters), these thermal drones provide a bird’s-eye view that traditional patrols cannot match. The infrared camera, capable of detecting heat signatures, ensures suspects remain visible even in low-light conditions.

Expanding Role in NYPD Operations

The NYPD’s drone program, now a 24/7 operation, is transforming how the department approaches crime prevention and public safety. According to the NYPD’s Chief of Department, “Drones are available 24 hours a day for both crime prevention and rescue operations.” The department deploys drones roughly 30 times daily for tasks ranging from suspect tracking to crowd control during protests and preventing trained surfers—individuals who illegally ride on the exterior of subway trains. These unmanned systems are weather-resistant, operating effectively in rain or high winds, which ensures reliability in New York’s unpredictable climate.

The NYPD drones, which are most likely Skydio drones, are a cost-effective addition to the NYPD’s toolkit, when compared to helicopters, which can cost $1,500 per hour to operate. However, Chinese made drones from companies such as Autel Robotics and DJI offer an even more budget-friendly alternative for aerial surveillance. The program’s expansion reflects a broader trend in law enforcement, with departments nationwide adopting drones for their versatility and efficiency.

Implications for Policing and Privacy

The successful Brooklyn operation highlights the operational benefits of drones: faster response times, enhanced situational awareness, and reduced risk to officers. By providing real-time data, drones enable police to make informed decisions without engaging in dangerous pursuits.

However, drone technology raises privacy concerns, as aerial surveillance could capture footage of uninvolved civilians. The NYPD has not disclosed specific protocols for data retention or civilian oversight, which may prompt future regulatory discussions.

For drone professionals and recreational pilots, the NYPD’s program demonstrates the practical applications of unmanned aerial systems in high-stakes environments. The technology’s integration into daily policing could drive demand for advanced drones with longer battery life—currently around 30 minutes per flight—and improved sensors. As urban areas increasingly rely on drones, operators may see new opportunities in public safety roles, provided they navigate strict Federal Aviation Administration regulations.

The Winthrop Street incident is a clear win for the NYPD’s drone program, proving its value in real-world scenarios. As adoption grows, the balance between security and privacy will shape the future of drones in policing.

You can read more news stories about drone for good on DroneXL.

Photos courtesy of NYPD / NBC News