LAPD Expands Drone Use for Routine Emergency Calls in Pilot Program

On June 25, 2025, the Los Angeles Police Commission approved a new policy allowing the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) to deploy drones for routine emergency calls, marking a significant shift from their prior use in only high-risk scenarios like barricaded suspects or explosives, according to the Los Angeles Times. This decision launches a pilot program across four divisions, aiming to enhance officer safety and response efficiency while sparking debates over privacy and transparency.

New Policy Broadens Drone Applications

The updated guidelines permit drone use in diverse situations, including “calls for service,” high-risk incidents, investigations, large-scale events, and natural disasters. Previously, the LAPD’s nine drones, weighing 2.5 to 5 pounds and capable of covering 2 miles in about 2 minutes, were managed by the Air Support Division. Command now shifts to the Office of Special Operations, reflecting a strategic integration of drone technology into routine operations. LAPD Cmdr. Bryan Lium emphasized that drones provide “crucial, real-time information” about potential threats, enhancing situational awareness for responding officers.

Pilot Program and Community Response

The pilot program, set to begin in July 2025, will operate in Topanga, West L.A., Harbor, and Central divisions, covering the LAPD’s four geographical bureaus. The Commission requires a progress report within six months. Commissioner Rasha Gerges Shields noted that the prior “very restrictive” policy left the LAPD “behind the times” compared to agencies like Beverly Hills, where drones have reduced dangerous standoffs by identifying armed suspects. “Sending out a drone ahead of officers could help prevent dangerous standoffs,” Gerges Shields stated, highlighting the technology’s potential to de-escalate encounters.

However, concerns persist. Commissioner Teresa Sanchez Gordon questioned guidelines for drone use during mass demonstrations, stating, “I just want to make sure that the recording of these activities will not be used against individuals who are lawfully exercising their rights.” Officials clarified that drones may monitor protests for safety but won’t track lawful demonstrators, and features like facial recognition or weapons remain prohibited.

Transparency and Privacy Challenges

The LAPD plans to launch a web portal tracking drone flight paths, dates, times, and locations, though recorded videos won’t be publicly accessible. Footage will undergo periodic audits to ensure compliance. Critics, citing the department’s history with surveillance, fear disproportionate use against communities of color and question transparency promises. Public outcry, particularly following high-profile West Side burglaries, has fueled the push for expanded drone use, though opponents voiced concerns at the Commission meeting.

Industry Trends and Operational Impacts

The LAPD’s move aligns with trends in agencies like Culver City and Chula Vista, which have used drones for years with fewer restrictions. LAPD Cmdr. Shannon Paulson noted that the new policy eliminates delays, as drones no longer require approval from a deputy chief on-site for deployment. This flexibility could streamline responses to emergencies, potentially replacing costlier helicopter operations, which have faced scrutiny for high expenses (helicopter program costs not specified in source). Drones’ ability to cover 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) quickly offers a cost-effective alternative for aerial surveillance.

The policy shift reflects drones’ growing role in law enforcement, balancing operational efficiency with public trust. As the pilot unfolds, its success will hinge on transparent implementation and robust oversight to address privacy concerns while leveraging technology to enhance public safety.

The LAPD has used Chinese-made DJI drones in the past. We were not able to confirm what drone models are used in the new pilot program or Drones as First Responders test.

Photo courtesy of DJI.