DEALS

First Responders

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

1,521
Articles
112
Beats covered
10
Reporters on beat
Aug 18
Last updated
FAA's ICE NOTAM Gets Teeth: Change 13 Is the Enforcement Escalation Drone Pilots Should Fear - FAA Cracks Down on Drone Violations with $341,413 in Proposed Penalties - FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024: Key Changes for Drones and Advanced Air Mobility
FAA

FAA Waivers Unlock New Horizons for Public Safety Drones in Fort Wayne’s DFR Program

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is paving the way for a revolution in public safety drone operations, with a landmark waiver granted to the Fort Wayne Police Department at the end of 2024. This first-of-its-kind approval, detailed in a Government Technology report, allows the Indiana agency to deploy drones as part of its Drone as…

Michigan Man Faces Felony Charges After Allegedly Shooting Down Police Drone
Police

Michigan Man Faces Felony Charges After Allegedly Shooting Down Police Drone

On February 11, 2025, a DJI Air 3 police drone operated by the Oscoda Township Police Department was allegedly shot down by a civilian during a tense standoff in Tawas Township, Michigan. The suspect, 21-year-old Alexander J. Bessey, now faces multiple felony charges, including assault with a dangerous weapon and malicious destruction of police property,…

Federal Air Marshals Pioneer Drone Training with Skydio X10 to Bolster Airport Security
Skydio

Federal Air Marshals Pioneer Drone Training with Skydio X10 to Bolster Airport Security

In a groundbreaking move for aviation security, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has certified 18 Federal Air Marshals (FAMs) as drone pilots, completing their first training program to operate the advanced Skydio X10 small unmanned aerial system (sUAS). Reported initially by Zag Daily, this initiative, held over three days at the decommissioned Sam Boyd…

Small Drone Aids Tactical Response in Phoenix Shooting
DJI

Small Drone Aids Tactical Response in Phoenix Shooting

On February 22, 2025, Phoenix Police deployed a small drone during a tactical response to a shooting near 19th Avenue and Glendale Avenue, where a woman was found shot and a man was discovered dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot. As reported by FOX 10 Phoenix, the incident unfolded around 3:20 p.m., prompting officers to…

Police Drone’s Thermal Camera and Spotlight Guide Night Rescue of Man from Icy Brook
Police

Police Drone’s Thermal Camera and Spotlight Guide Night Rescue of Man from Icy Brook

The Ossining Police Department successfully rescued a man who had fallen into an icy brook during a late-night emergency response on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, utilizing their department drone’s infrared camera and spotlight capabilities. The incident, reported by Daily Voice Ossining, showcases how drone technology can provide critical assistance during nighttime emergency responses. Technolog

Arizona Proposes Law Enabling Police to Take Down Drug-Trafficking Drones Near Mexican Border
Department of Homeland Security

Arizona Proposes Law Enabling Police to Take Down Drug-Trafficking Drones Near Mexican Border

A new piece of legislation in Arizona could grant local law enforcement the authority to intercept and disable drones suspected of drug trafficking within 30 miles of the Mexican border. The bipartisan-supported measure reportedly addresses cartel drone operations while raising important questions about aerial safety and liability. Legislative Framework and Scope House Bill 2733, currently…

Drone Crashes at Mine, GA Bill to Ban Drones, ND Rejects Drone Ban, & New DJI Products
Police

Drone Crashes at Mine, GA Bill to Ban Drones, ND Rejects Drone Ban, & New DJI Products

Welcome to your weekly UAS news update! We have five stories for you this week: a drone crash into a uranium mine, a Georgia bill to ban Chinese drones, the North Dakota Senate rejecting a Chinese drone ban, the Sumas Police Department performing a remarkable rescue, and lastly, some new DJI products. Let’s get started!…

— 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