Police

Drone-as-first-responder programs, pursuit footage, evidence policy, and the departments putting UAS on patrol.

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Nov 13

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White BRINC Guardian drone in flight above its docking station at a beach, carrying a defibrillator under its body

Drone as First Responder

West Valley Votes on Free Police Drone Trial With $874,985 Renewal

West Valley City votes Nov. 10 on a free year of BRINC police drones. Unless the city cancels, Motorola's quote adds $874,985 for years two to six.

Haye KestelooNov 9

Overhead black-and-white view of a DJI Phantom quadcopter surrounded by folding DJI Mavic drones and other multirotors arranged on a white surface

Police

Haiti's Drone War Claims a Gang Leader, and Two Death Stories

A rights group says a kamikaze drone killed Cité Soleil gang boss Mathias Saintil. Police say gunfire did. Why the gap matters after 2,000 strikes.

Haye KestelooNov 8

A dark DJI Matrice police drone hovering in the sky above a Texas city, with mountains and a downtown skyline in the background

Counter-Drone

Houston Approves Counter-Drone Bid on Consent, Use Rules Unfinished

Houston City Council passed its FY2027 FEMA counter-drone grant bid on the consent agenda, untagged. The use policy is still being written.

Haye KestelooNov 6

Three gray Skydio drone docks numbered 01 to 03 on a flat white rooftop under an overcast sky, with two American flags in the background

DFR

Axon Puts $1.2B Into Skydio, and US Police Now Buy Only Through Axon

Axon invests $1.2 billion in Skydio for a 37% stake at a $5.2 billion valuation and becomes Skydio's only public safety channel in the US and Canada.

Haye KestelooNov 6

Flock Safety Alpha police drone in flight against a pink dusk sky, its multi-lens gimbal camera hanging below the body

Industry

Flock Drone Chief Sidhu Quits for a16z, Alpha Still in Early Access

Rahul Sidhu leaves Flock for a16z two years after selling it Aerodome for over $300 million, days after 270 staff took buyouts and with Alpha in early access.

Haye KestelooNov 5

BRINC Responder drone hovering above its open docking station outside a building at dusk, with police cars parked in the background

Drone as First Responder

St. Louis Clears Police Drones 4-1. Camera Pledge Lives in an FAQ

St. Louis police can fly BRINC drones after a 4-1 vote over the mayor's no. The horizon-camera pledge is in SLMPD's FAQ, not the approved order.

Haye KestelooNov 4

A white DJI Mini 3 Pro drone hovering against a clear blue sky above wooded green hills

Counter-Drone

Houston Weighs Counter-Drone Bid as Texas Pot Shrinks to $10.5M

Houston votes Wednesday on a FEMA counter-drone grant bid. Its filing names detection and mitigation gear, and Texas's share fell to $10.5M.

Haye KestelooNov 3

A Washington National Guard warrant officer in camouflage holds a small gray quadcopter while briefing two police officers and two civilians in a classroom with drone equipment laid out on tables.

Counter-Drone

FEMA Counter-Drone Grants: Local Police Deadlines Land Before Nov 16

FEMA's $250M counter-drone round closes November 16, but Kansas police must file by November 4 and Indiana and Mississippi close November 6.

Haye KestelooNov 2

Police

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