Summary
Police departments across the United States are increasingly using drones powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to help with their work, from investigating crimes to delivering emergency medical supplies. The number of police and sheriff departments using these drones has increased significantly in recent years. While the technology provides new capabilities, it also raises concerns about privacy and data use.
Key Facts
- Over 1,500 police and sheriff's departments were using drones by the end of 2024, a significant increase from 2018.
- Cities like Miami, Cleveland, Columbus, and Charlotte have introduced new drone programs in 2023.
- Drones are cheaper than helicopters, and federal and state funding often supports their cost.
- After the George Floyd incident, many departments sought tech that collects data without direct officer involvement.
- In Minnesota, police agencies spent over $1 million on drones in 2023, reflecting a 44% spending increase from 2022.
- Drones equipped with AI can perform various tasks such as search and rescue, surveillance, and crime scene analysis.
- Albuquerque police use drones to combat car theft and were among the first to receive FAA approval to operate without line-of-sight.
- The effectiveness of drones relies on integrated systems for data analysis, but concerns exist about how collected data is used and shared.
