Law enforcement agencies previously unable to afford airspace technology, such as helicopters, can now affordably access drones to extend their security systems, monitor the skies, and help them serve and protect their communities. According to research conducted by Bard University’s Center for the Study of the Drone, in 2018, there were more than twice as many law enforcement agencies that owned drones as there were agencies that owned manned aircraft in the United States. As of May 2018, an estimated 910 U.S. state and local police departments, sheriff’s offices, fire and emergency medical services (EMS), and public safety agencies had acquired drones in recent years.

Law enforcement officials are using drones for crowd monitoring at major events, crime scene analysis, and investigations of active shooter or hostage situations. First responders are testing drones to deliver emergency medical supplies, such as defibrillators, to situations where they are needed. Firefighters are using drones to identify “hot spots” to target fire retardant drops at wildfires and enhance situational awareness.

Drones are both useful and a challenge for law enforcement.