In the city that never sleeps, drones are waking up to watch over us: Mayor Adams’ latest tech move explained.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the formation of the Drone Operations Committee on July 23, 2025, appointing Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry as chair. This initiative coordinates drone operations across city agencies to enhance emergency response and position the city as a leader in technology-driven safety measures.

Committee Structure and Leadership Role

The committee includes leaders from various agencies, such as the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the Fire Department of the City of New York, New York City Emergency Management, the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Department of Buildings, and the Department of Environmental Protection. Agency heads keep operational control over their drone programs, while the committee oversees policy development and interagency training.

Daughtry’s appointment draws on his experience in public safety and technology use. The committee aims to strengthen governance, oversight, and innovation in drone operations.

Current and Future Drone Uses in City Operations

New York City already deploys drones in multiple public safety roles. The NYPD’s ‘Drone as First Responder’ initiative allows drones to launch autonomously from police precincts and reach scenes within minutes, delivering live intelligence to support response efforts.

Drones monitor beaches for distressed swimmers and sharks in summer, help prevent subway surfing injuries and fatalities, track suspects fleeing crime scenes, assess damage after incidents, oversee large-scale events, and protect critical infrastructure. 3 These applications provide rapid aerial views, improving coordination and reducing risks to first responders.

This development raises questions about managing drone operations in a dense urban setting. Coordinated policies could prevent conflicts and serve as a model for other cities.

Statements from City Officials

Mayor Adams highlighted the committee’s potential.

“New Yorkers deserve to know that when there’s an emergency — whether it’s a terror threat, a protest, or a natural disaster — our administration is using every tool available to keep them safe,” said Mayor Adams.

“Drones are the future of public safety, and under Deputy Mayor Daughtry’s leadership, New York City’s first-ever Drone Operations Committee will take this technology to the next level. Kaz has spent his career protecting this city and has spent much of it utilizing new technologies to keep New Yorkers safe, and now he’ll ensure that our drone operations are coordinated, strategic, and always focused on safeguarding the people of New York City.”

Deputy Mayor Daughtry shared his views on the technology.

“Our public safety strategy is built on interagency coordination, real-time intelligence, and the smartest technology available,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Daughtry.

“Drones are a force multiplier — they give us eyes on the ground in seconds, help us coordinate evacuations, monitor critical infrastructure, and keep our first responders safe. I’m honored to lead this team and make sure we’re using these powerful tools in the most effective and responsible way possible.”

Broader Impacts on Drone Integration and Policy

The committee’s launch signals a push toward integrated drone use in government, which may influence Federal Aviation Administration regulations. As the city’s drone programs grow, advancements in autonomous systems and real-time data could accelerate.

Drone professionals may find new opportunities in public sector roles requiring specialized skills. Recreational pilots could benefit from refined urban airspace rules, though privacy issues remain a concern. New York City’s approach balances innovation with responsibility, offering insights for tech-forward urban safety.

Featured photo Statue of Liberty New York City courtesy of Ralph.