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

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Congress Wants Counter-Drone Powers at Wildfires, Not Just Stadiums - Drone Security: Bipartisan Effort to Safeguard America's Skies
Skydio

Missouri SB 296 Sparks Debate Over Chinese Drones in Law Enforcement

A proposed Missouri law aiming to ban law enforcement from purchasing drones manufactured in China, such as DJI drones, has stirred controversy in the state capital. Senate Bill 296 (SB 296), introduced by Sen. Rick Brattin (R-Harrisonville), seeks to address national security concerns but has drawn sharp opposition from law enforcement and public safety officials…

Newport Beach Greenlights $2M BRINC Drone Program to Revolutionize Police Response
Brinc

Newport Beach Greenlights $2M BRINC Drone Program to Revolutionize Police Response

On February 25, 2025, the Newport Beach City Council unanimously approved a five-year, $2,176,037.60 contract with BRINC Drones Inc. to launch an advanced drone program for the city’s police department. This move marks a significant step toward integrating cutting-edge unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into public safety operations, promising faster 911 response times and enhanced situational…

Drone-Assisted Rescue in Rimrock Highlights Growing Role of UAS in Emergency Response
Drones for Good

Drone-Assisted Rescue in Rimrock Highlights Growing Role of UAS in Emergency Response

On February 24, 2025, San Bernardino County Fire (SBCoFD) crews leveraged drone technology to rescue a 15-year-old boy trapped in a rock crevice for over six hours in Rimrock, California. The operation, detailed in an official statement on X by SBCoFD, showcased the critical role unmanned aerial systems (UAS) can play in challenging wilderness extractions,…

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…

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