Drones
Coverage of ways unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are changing how state and local government collects data on physical infrastructure, maps jurisdictions via GIS and monitors public safety from the sky. Also includes stories about efforts by private-sector companies and education institutions to improve how drones can better help government deliver services.
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The drones will be stationed throughout the city "based on crime trends, 911 call volume, response patterns and operational needs." The move is part of a regional and national trend, but privacy concerns persist. -
Law enforcement officials in the state’s most populous county will deploy drone detection technology during FIFA World Cup games starting in June. The technology is partially funded by a federal grant.
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After months of development, the Texas city’s new initiative will deploy from nine locations, to respond to 911 calls and feed live footage back to officers. Video is not recorded en route to calls.
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Package delivery by drone has won approval from the North Haven Planning and Zoning Commission. After the FAA signs off on Prime Air flights from North Haven, the devices will be clear for takeoff.
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North Dakota officials now have access to Federal Aviation Administration radar data, which supports emergency response operations, infrastructure inspection, agricultural operations and more.
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The Drone as a First Responder program at Kairos Public Schools, funded through a state law enforcement grant, enables the Vacaville Police Department to deploy unmanned aerial drones to emergency calls.
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The Los Angeles Police Department has increasingly come to rely on small, unmanned aerial vehicles since launching a "drone as a first responder" pilot program in July.
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The city is exploring how AI technology can support disaster response and recovery. A pilot has demonstrated a way to reduce data collection and processing times, improve safety, and free up employee time.
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Breakthrough surveillance capabilities — drones and license plate readers — have played a pivotal role in catching Colorado Springs’ criminals and keeping law-abiding citizens safe.
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The City Council approved a six-year, nearly $1 million pact that will enable police to field the devices and obtain incident information before officers arrive on scene. The drones will likely cover dock areas.
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The Spokane Police Department will get four surveillance drones and a suite of quick-deploy road barriers to help protect Team Egypt while the region serves as the team's base camp.
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A Connecticut-based company is aiming to have drones that will send real-time aerial data to first responders during wildfires, hurricanes and natural disasters by the end of the year.
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County commissioners approved a contract that will begin with a free nine-month pilot, but could extend to a three-year, $2.5 million pact. Residents voiced a variety of concerns about the drone program.
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County commissioners will consider expanding the sheriff’s office's use of Flock Safety technology by adding drones through a nine-month pilot program that is free to the jurisdiction.
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County commissioners will vote on accepting a nearly $10.7 million federal grant that would help police spot and deal with unauthorized drones during 2026 FIFA World Cup games in June.
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The National League of Cities will work with tech company BRINC to educate cities, towns and villages on standing up drone-as-first-responder programs. That includes assistance on FAA approvals and training.
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The North Carolina Department of Transportation demonstration project, one of eight selected by the FAA, will test using electric drones and aircraft to shuttle medical supplies to and from rural facilities.
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The program would involve sending drones out on 911 calls ahead or instead of police officers and would require a new technology contract. One result so far has been a saved life.
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The City Council voted 5-1 to accept a nearly $21,000 state grant to purchase a drone for police. Vice Mayor Curt Diemer, the lone vote against, urged the city to take a serious look at “shrinking liberty.”
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The world’s biggest sporting event, set for the U.S., Canada and Mexico, is months away, and that means gov tech suppliers are preparing to make sure everyone stays safe. Drones are a main area of concern.
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A police official said that Flock Safety is providing one drone on loan for the town police force to try out, and they intend to start using it to get aerial coverage of Lewiston’s summer events.
