Across the United States, police departments are increasingly turning to drones as their first response when someone calls 911. More than 1,500 departments are now equipped with unmanned aerial vehicles that function in real time with call-center operators and police units on the ground.
In 2018, Chula Vista, California, became the first city to use drones as first responders. Since 2022, the department has responded to thousands of 911 calls, resulting in several citations and a handful of arrests.
Police departments in New York and Denver are planning to deploy the drones as first responders for day-to-day calls, allowing officers to prioritize more urgent matters.
Drones can survey areas and stream live video back to operators, which will quickly provide detailed information to responding officers. If the operator determines that officers are not needed, the drone might be the only response to the 911 call.
The Denver Police Department received a $100,000 grant for its drone program, even as City Council members debate a proposed $8.4 million budget cut to the department. The program aims to achieve response times similar to those in Chula Vista, where drones typically arrive at scenes in just under four minutes, compared to the seven minutes it currently takes officers.
Despite their non-lethal nature, critics are raising concerns about the potential for invasive surveillance.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) warns of the risks of mass aerial surveillance without adequate safeguards. Earlier this year, a California appeals court ruled that not all police drone footage is confidential. The courts are now deciding which videos can be publicly released.
Proponents argue that drones enhance safety, speed up response times and serve as a de-escalation tool in tense situations. However, there are challenges.
Drones have limited range, can be costly and police departments must follow strict Federal Aviation Administration regulations, which can include maintaining a line of sight with the drone at all times.
As drone use within police departments grows, lawmakers, the courts and federal agencies will likely increase their focus on guidelines and regulations for expanding surveillance.
