Drone-as-first-responder programs, pursuit footage, evidence policy, and the departments putting UAS on patrol.
On March 8, 2025, a tense standoff in San Francisco’s Outer Sunset neighborhood put the SFPD’s drone program under scrutiny. A suspect allegedly fired at a police drone—marking a potential first since the department began using unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in 2024—before engaging officers in a shootout. The suspect was wounded and hospitalized with non-life-threatening…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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
One email with the drone news that matters — DJI, FAA, public safety, and everything in between, straight from the newsroom. No spam, no fluff.
