Drone-as-first-responder programs, pursuit footage, evidence policy, and the departments putting UAS on patrol.
This week, we have four stories to share, making this update slightly longer than usual due to significant developments in the drone industry. Texas House Bill 41: Controversial Drone Ban Texas House Bill 41 aims to ban certain drones, primarily those manufactured in China, citing risks from foreign technology. However, the bill faces significant opposition,…
Five months into its pioneering drone program, the Aspen Police Department is leveraging cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to bolster public safety, manage crowds, and conduct search-and-rescue operations, according to the Aspen Times. This initiative aligns with a growing trend among U.S. police departments adopting drone technology for enhanced operational efficiency. Program Overview
Today, SkyeBrowse and Paladin announced a pioneering partnership to integrate real-time 3D modeling into Drone as First Responder (DFR) workflows, a first for public safety applications, according to their joint press release. By combining SkyeBrowse’s videogrammetry technology with Paladin’s autonomous drone platform, this collaboration eliminates manual data transfer delays, delivering high-fide
In a remarkable display of drone technology’s life-saving potential, the Oklahoma City Police Department (OKCPD) recently released footage of a Skydio drone used to locate and rescue a man critically injured after being struck by a train. The incident, which occurred weeks ago on the city’s south side, underscores the transformative role of drones as…
A viral YouTube video titled “The Ultimate Skydio Roast: Surveillance, Stupidity, and Straight-Up Shame” by Wedgenbigg has reignited controversy surrounding Skydio’s questionable marketing tactics, spotlighting a scandal first uncovered by DroneXL. The video delivers a scathing critique of Skydio’s decision to send law enforcement promotional mailers embedded with AT&T SIM cards capable of trackin
A startling 65% increase in government drone registrations across New York State since 2022 has raised alarms about unchecked surveillance, according to a New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) report based on 2024 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data. With 876 drones now operated by 127 agencies, including a massive expansion by the NYPD, the proliferation…
Syracuse, New York, is poised to launch a pioneering “Drone as First Responder” program, expanding from high-priority 911 calls to any incident deemed to enhance public safety, according to a City Hall news release. Backed by a $619,000 budget for five drones, the initiative promises to bolster police efficiency amid staffing shortages but has sparked…
On April 7, 2025, Oregon’s Senate Judiciary Committee voted 5-1 to advance Senate Bill 238, a proposal to broaden police drone use for 911 calls, suspect pursuits, and search operations, according to OregonLive. The bill, now headed to the Senate floor, aims to align Oregon with states like California and New York, where law enforcement…
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