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First Responders

Police, fire, and search-and-rescue teams putting drones to work when minutes matter.

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Senators Demand DJI Drone Disclosures from Contractors at Nuclear and Border Sites
DJI

SFPD Expands Drone Program with $9.4M Donation to Boost Citywide Surveillance

The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) has received a significant $9.4 million donation to expand its drone program, a move aimed at enhancing citywide surveillance and emergency response. Announced on June 5, 2025, by Mission Local, this funding will support the Real Time Investigation Center (RTIC) and add 10 new drone take-off sites across the…

FAA's ICE NOTAM Gets Teeth: Change 13 Is the Enforcement Escalation Drone Pilots Should Fear - DJI Air 3S vs Mavic 3 Pro Drone Comparison
Police

Drone Smuggling Bust in South Carolina Exposes Prison Contraband Risks

On June 2, 2025, a routine traffic stop in Bennettsville, South Carolina, uncovered a sophisticated drone smuggling operation targeting Evans Correctional Institution, revealing the growing challenge of aerial contraband delivery in correctional facilities, according to WYFF News 4. Drones in Crime: A Rising Threat The Bennettsville Police Department initiated the bust during a traffic stop…

Hong Kong Police Expand Drone Patrols: A New Era for Law Enforcement
Police

Hong Kong Police Expand Drone Patrols: A New Era for Law Enforcement

The Hong Kong Police Force has launched an expanded drone patrol program, targeting both rural borders and urban centers to boost crime detection. Reported by the South China Morning Post, this initiative highlights the growing role of drones in law enforcement while addressing the delicate balance between efficiency and public privacy concerns. Drone Patrols: What’s…

Elon Musk, the U.S. Drone Industry Needs Your Vision to Soar
Skydio

Elon Musk, the U.S. Drone Industry Needs Your Vision to Soar

Dear Elon Musk, As a reporter who has covered the drone industry for nine years, first with DroneDJ, now with DroneXL, I’m writing to you on behalf of drone professionals, recreational pilots, and first responders. The U.S. drone sector faces a crisis, and we believe you—through your leadership at SpaceX, Tesla, X, and xAI—are the…

Parker Police Drone Rescues Missing Child in Colorado
Police

Parker Police Drone Rescues Missing Child in Colorado

On May 30, 2025, Parker Police in Colorado used a DJI Matrice drone to locate a missing child, demonstrating the value of aerial technology in search-and-rescue missions. After ground crews failed to find the child in a remote area, the drone’s bird’s-eye view proved crucial, reflecting a growing reliance on unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in…

Florida's Chinese Drone Ban Creates Challenges for Local Fire and Police Departments - New DJI Matrice 30 Thermal for Flushing Township Police Department - 7 DJI drones are approved for FAA's Remote ID for Drones - DJI launches the ultimate foldable DJI Enterprise drone, the DJI Matrice 30 or M30, and more...
Police

Cleveland Explores Drone as First Responder Program for Fire and EMS 911 Calls

Cleveland, Ohio, is taking a bold step toward modernizing emergency response by exploring the use of drones for fire and EMS 911 calls. The city has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to technology firms, inviting proposals for a “Drone as First Responder” program that could deploy drones to emergency scenes, providing critical real-time data…

Greenfield Police Pioneer Drone First Responders with DJI Technology
DJI

Greenfield Police Pioneer Drone First Responders with DJI Technology

On May 29, 2025, the Greenfield Police Department made history as the first in their county to deploy drones as first responders, leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance emergency response capabilities. Using the DJI Dock and a modified DJI M30 drone, this initiative marks a significant step forward for law enforcement drone operations, as reported by…

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