Drones

In a 13-month pilot funded by a $265,000 state grant, the drones will be able to fly beyond the operator's line of sight to arrive at emergency scenes quickly and ahead of law enforcement officers.

The department deployed multiple drones earlier this month to monitor crowds at an outdoor music concert. It was the devices’ first appearance since a city policy governing their use was finalized.

A new official policy on drone usage for city government purposes spells out how they can be deployed, including for aerial surveillance, and how they should not be used. The City Council approved it Aug. 7.

Dubbed the Patrol Drone Program and unveiled Monday, a new initiative builds upon the police department’s previous use of drones in crash investigations over the past decade.

A proposed federal policy would create a standardized path for drones to fly beyond sight for public safety, infrastructure and delivery. A 60-day comment period gives agencies a chance to weigh in on risks and benefits.

Experts say that data generated by sail drones has been essential in the past for forecasting dangerous storms, but federal funding changes mean this program now faces cancellation.

The Canadian government technology supplier has bought DroneSense, which sells software for increasingly popular drone-as-first-responder programs. It’s the latest such move in the public safety space.

New Chief Jason Stugelmeyer, a department veteran, is looking to improve its efficiency. Increasing technology use around report generation is one such potential area; using drones to improve officer safety is another.

The police drone program began in 2023, in response to thrill-seeking stunts that have lead to at least 16 deaths. In related news, the city has debuted a public safety alert tool on a popular app.

Though the sheriff's office has employed drones over the past decade, this new model will be remotely launched from a substation to respond to active crimes and emergency incidents over the next year.

By adding drones, an online listing reads, the police department would “enhance public safety, improve response times, and optimize situational awareness during critical incidents.”

So-called drone entertainment offers cities like Aspen and Parker a diverting but less flammable option to Fourth of July fireworks displays. The latter may have the “boom factor,” but could also ignite a wildfire.

The L.A. Police Commission, pointing to success at other departments around the nation, has approved an updated policy letting drones be used in more situations. These include “calls for service.”

Drones and aircraft were key in Minnesota's largest manhunt, helping capture an armed and dangerous man without further violence, reflecting a broader trend of law enforcement's growing reliance on aviation technology.

The City Council in San Rafael voted unanimously this month to renew the San Rafael Police Department's military equipment use policy, which included introducing a new drone program.

New executive orders seek to boost the use of drones in public safety, mandate the use of AI to speed up the drone waiver process and provide funding opportunities to boost anti-drone tech access.

The city is calling for tech companies to send proposals for such a program, via a request for qualifications. In it, officials suggest drones might be first on scene to 911 calls, better informing emergency crews.

The project, which this month has simulated delivery of Munson Healthcare supplies, lab samples and medications, has linked its facilities by drone. The endeavor received a second $950,000 state grant, announced earlier this week.