DEALS

First Responders

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

1,549
Articles
113
Beats covered
10
Reporters on beat
Oct 6
Last updated
Haitian Drone Strikes Target Gang Leaders, Spark Legal Controversy
Police

Haitian Drone Strikes Target Gang Leaders, Spark Legal Controversy

In Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, drones armed with explosives have become the government’s latest weapon against gang leaders controlling over 80% of the city. A recent video released by the Haitian police showed explosions raining from the sky, signaling a high-stakes offensive to reclaim the streets. However, The NY Times reports that the Royal Canadian Mounted…

How Drones Played a Key Role in Capturing a Minnesota Manhunt Suspect
Skydio

How Drones Played a Key Role in Capturing a Minnesota Manhunt Suspect

Drones proved instrumental in a high-stakes manhunt in Minnesota, helping law enforcement capture a suspect after a two-day search involving over 100 officers. The New York Times reported that Vance Boelter, 57, was apprehended late Sunday night, June 15, 2025, in a field near Green Isle, Minnesota, after a massive operation that spanned roughly 1…

NYPD Deploys Skydio Drone to Monitor No Kings Protests on Fifth Avenue
Skydio

NYPD Deploys Skydio Drone to Monitor No Kings Protests on Fifth Avenue

On June 14, 2025, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) utilized a Skydio X10 drone to oversee crowds during the No Kings protests along Fifth Avenue, marking a significant moment in urban drone surveillance. Amid ongoing demonstrations against President Trump and his administration, the NYPD’s Technical Assistance Response Unit (TARU), a specialized team focused…

Silicon Valley Billionaires Fund Police Drones, Push to Ban Chinese Giant DJI
Police

Silicon Valley Billionaires Fund Police Drones, Push to Ban Chinese Giant DJI

Silicon Valley investors are reshaping the U.S. drone landscape, funding police fleets with American-made drones while lobbying to ban Chinese manufacturer DJI, which dominates 90% of the U.S. consumer and public-safety drone market, according to Bard College research. This dual strategy aims to boost domestic drone makers like Skydio and curb DJI’s influence amid national…

Santa Fe Police Seek 2025 Drone Program Expansion Amid Privacy Debates
Skydio

Santa Fe Police Seek 2025 Drone Program Expansion Amid Privacy Debates

As of June 2025, the Santa Fe Police Department is preparing to request City Council approval for a $500,000 upgrade to its drone program, aiming to deploy Skydio’s advanced unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to enhance policing efficiency, according to details from The New Mexican. The initiative, which includes “drone as first responder” capabilities, promises faster…

Oregon’s Senate Bill 238A Sparks Privacy Concerns Over Drone Surveillance
Police

Oregon’s Senate Bill 238A Sparks Privacy Concerns Over Drone Surveillance

In Oregon, Senate Bill 238A, currently under review, is stirring controversy by proposing to ease restrictions on law enforcement drone use, potentially reducing court oversight for surveillance. The bill, which passed the Senate with Democratic support, has drawn sharp criticism from privacy advocates and community groups who fear it could erode civil liberties, reports KATU…

New Life-Saving Drones Take Flight Over Ocean City Beaches
Police

New Life-Saving Drones Take Flight Over Ocean City Beaches

Ocean City has introduced a groundbreaking addition to its public safety arsenal with the deployment of advanced life-saving drones equipped with inflatable rescue tubes. These innovative devices, featuring Chinese-made DJI Matrice drones, began patrolling the skies above the city’s beaches on Wednesday, June 11, as part of a new initiative by the Ocean City Police…

DJI Matrice 400 Redefines Enterprise Drone Performance with Extended Flight and Advanced Sensing
DJI

DJI Matrice 400 Redefines Enterprise Drone Performance with Extended Flight and Advanced Sensing

Today, DJI unveiled the DJI Matrice 400, an enterprise drone platform engineered for long-endurance missions like search and rescue, power line inspections, and large-scale mapping. With a 59-minute flight time, enhanced obstacle avoidance, and a 13.2-pound payload capacity, this drone sets a new benchmark for professionals. DJI’s official release highlights its cutting-edge features, promising sa

— The DroneXL Briefing · Free

The drone industry moves fast. Stay ahead of it.

One email with the drone news that matters — DJI, FAA, public safety, and everything in between, straight from the newsroom. No spam, no fluff.

8,400+
Articles published
340+
Beats & desks
2020
Covering drones since
100%
Independent