NYPD Drone Program Lacks Transparency, Oversight Report Reveals

A newly released investigation by New York City’s Department of Investigation (DOI) has uncovered significant transparency and oversight issues in the New York Polizei Department’s expanding drone program. The December 18 report found that the NYPD’s drone operations policies fail to fully disclose critical capabilities and operational practices, raising concerns about public accountability, according to The Guardian.

The investigation reveals that multiple NYPD units have been operating their own drone programs outside the Technical Assistance Response Unit’s (TARU) supervision, contrary to established protocols. The command structure differs from official policy, with the Drone Team reporting to Deputy Commissioner Daughtry instead of Chief of Department Maddrey as outlined in department guidelines.

“Drones can be a critical public safety tool capable of enhancing NYPD operations,” stated DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber. “However, this Report found that NYPD’s Impact and Use policies do not fully and accurately describe the Department’s unmanned aircraft systems’ practices.”

The NYPD currently maintains a fleet of 100 drones operated by over 110 FAA-qualified pilots. In 2024, the department conducted approximately 4,000 drone missions, including responses to 2,300 priority calls. The department recently launched its “Drone as First Responder” program, operating specifically in the 67th, 71st, and 75th precincts in Brooklyn, the 48th Precinct in the Bronx, and the Central Park Precinct.

The DOI report identified several critical gaps in the NYPD’s July 2024 Impact and Use Policy (IUP), including failure to disclose advanced capabilities such as autonomous flight functions, three-dimensional mapping technologies, and specialized attachments. The policy also omitted potential health and safety risks associated with drone operations, including personal injury, property damage, and lithium-ion battery hazards.

These findings emerge amid increased scrutiny of urban drone operations, particularly following recent drone sightings along the eastern seaboard. Federal officials have attributed these sightings to a combination of aircraft, celestial objects, and legally operated drones, though investigations continue.

The report’s conclusions may significantly influence how other law enforcement agencies develop and implement their drone programs, particularly regarding public disclosure and operational oversight policies. As urban drone operations continue to expand, the framework for ensuring accountability while maintaining operational effectiveness becomes increasingly vital.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​