Quicker, Clearer, Safer: How Drones are Revolutionizing Police Departments
Across the country, police agencies are evolving in the ways that they uphold the law. Seven years ago, the Chula Vista Police Department pioneered the way first responders are used and the ways they respond to a situation. Called “game-changing” and “revolutionary” by officers, American police drones are being used by police departments to protect communities and keep officers safe.
The Chula Vista Police Department case study has been documented through the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. It began its drone program seven years ago following a preventable tragedy. Police officers came up with ideas on how such tragedies could be avoided in the future. Their initial plan was to provide real-time intelligence by using plainclothed officers in advance teams during critical situations. After the approach was successful, the department shifted into using drones under the same concept. In 2021, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) granted citywide approval for drone flights, and over the years, the FAA and President Trump have been removing approval obstacles for drones.
President Trump’s June 2025 executive order, Unleashing American Drone Dominance, which supported the expansion of drone use, follows a directive issued during his first presidency. President Trump’s goal to spur large drone use in sectors from agriculture to emergency situations has been a success. Currently, police departments nationwide continue to roll out some form of a Drone as First Responder (DFR) program as drones quickly become multi-faceted options for departments.
American drone companies are supplying police departments with the necessary technology needed for their specific challenges. In New York City, drones are being used to catch subway surfers, and in Redmond, they are even being used to find lost seniors suffering with dementia. In some scenarios, criminals are even surrendering to drones. In addition, drones have been able to significantly reduce police response time. According to the data from Chula Vista police department’s Drone-Related Activity Dashboard, drones took an average 3.6 minutes to arrive on scene, while patrol units took on average 5.8 minutes to respond.
Drones are also seen as cost-effective options as well. While aerial assistance, such as police helicopters, come at a cost of around $1 million each, drones are far cheaper at around $35,000. The DOJ case study found “The financial benefit of saving a life, reduced use of force, reduced injury or hospitalizations of officers, faster response times, and better intelligence gatherings [are all difficult to tally].” For cities such as Cincinnati, drones have transformed the way police are able to respond to scenarios.
Like many other cities, Cincinnati has followed in Chula Vista’s footsteps to address crime with great success. With just nine drones, the Cincinnati police force was able to cover around 40% of the city, something they are attempting to expand in the coming months. As the program expands, Sgt. Jay Kemme, Cincinnati’s drone unit supervisor, hopes that the community recognizes the importance of drone fleets. “I would like citizens to know that it’s keeping them safer,” Sgt. Kemme said. “[When citizens call 911] we’re going to get there really fast ... and if we see that it’s a serious situation, now we can rush resources to you faster.”
The message is clear: American drones are helping lead the modernization of law enforcement. With quicker response times, clearer intelligence, and real-time tracking, drones can mean the difference between life and death.