Static to mobile: how drones are transforming video surveillance for US law enforcement
Over 1,400 police departments across the United States have embraced unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) as their new eyes in the sky - and the number continues to grow.
Drones in public safety and law enforcement offer significant versatility and cost-effectiveness. From search & rescue missions and rapid first-response capabilities to crime scene investigations, and to bypass traffic and road obstacles to reach destinations faster. Wider adoption of these systems can revolutionize the public safety sector and save time, cost and resources.
However, as their use grows, these systems must be operated safely and under relevant guidelines to ensure responsible video surveillance.
The expanding role of drones in public safety and law enforcement in the US
Police departments and public safety agencies have shifted from static to mobile surveillance technologies, deploying drones directly from precincts for immediate incident coverage. It’s a game-changer that has paved the way for the capabilities of drone surveillance - streamlining operations and providing invaluable live and post-event video analysis.
For example, police in Bend, Oregon have dramatically increased their drone use in recent years - in 2023, the department's drone pilots made 721 flights during 230 events. This deployment meant officers could properly scope scenes from different angles, with drones proving vital in search and rescue missions, crashes, crime scenes, and executing search warrants.
In 2023, San Francisco's Mayor supported an initiative leveraging drones for active criminal investigations and pursuits, including using drones with facial recognition capabilities. This ballot measure was later approved by voters in March 2024.
Meanwhile, in January 2024, a drone was instrumental in locating a suspect in a domestic abuse case conducted by the Grayson County, Kentucky police.
The delicate balance: drones, privacy, and public safety
The advent of drones equipped with AI and facial recognition technology (FRT) enhances surveillance capabilities but raises concerns.
Drones aren't just capturing images; they are collecting vast amounts of visual and sensitive biometric data. AI-powered FRT means drones can autonomously analyse live video to detect patterns, track incidents and even predict incidents by analysing crowd behaviors. While this can be useful for public safety purposes, these capabilities run the risk of over-policing certain areas and compromising privacy rights with excessive surveillance.
The issue of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations also introduces complexities. Since 2016, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations have required drones to remain within the visual line of sight of their operators, a limitation that restricts their full potential in extensive law enforcement roles. Despite these constraints, a select few police departments have succeeded in obtaining FAA exemptions for BVLOS operations, though they remain the exception rather than the norm.
In a 2020 poll by the organisation Drone Responders, 75% of 248 public safety respondents wished to conduct BVLOS flights, pointing to a widespread operational need.
Additionally, a 2022 report from the Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) advocated for revised FAA frameworks to safely expand BLOS capabilities.
However, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has voiced concerns about insufficient oversight and the need for transparent regulations that carefully balance privacy interests with the advantages of drone technology.
The challenge of foreign interference in US drone use
Recent US legislative efforts, including the 2023 American Security Drone Act (ASDA), have sparked big changes in how drones are used in public safety.
In March 2024, the House Energy and Commerce Committee introduced the Countering CCP Drones Act and the Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency Act, aimed at restricting drones from foreign-owned companies.
These new laws are part of a broader effort to reduce foreign control in the US drone market and strengthen national security.
However, they pose challenges for public safety departments which have long relied on affordable, advanced drones for tasks such as search and rescue, firefighting, and crime scene analysis - many of which come from foreign-owned companies. The shift to other drone technologies might lead to higher costs and delays in emergency responses, as public safety officials find new drones that both meet these rules and deliver the necessary performance.
The horizon of drone integration in public safety
Looking ahead, the potential for drones in public safety and law enforcement continues to grow.
Exciting trials and international collaborations are on the rise - for instance, recent initiatives in Norfolk have explored using drones as first responders to emergencies. Similar pilot programs are also expected to launch in Belgium and the Netherlands.
As drone technology evolves, so does the necessity to balance innovation with civil liberties. Public safety departments will have to find ways to navigate growing regulations about the types of drones they can use, as well as the extent to which they can be deployed. Ensuring strict management, robust data protection, and adherence to legal standards will be critical.
The future of drone adoption in public safety and law enforcement is promising yet complex. Wider adoption hinges on balancing technological advancements with the crucial need to protect civil liberties, as well as wider considerations about the security of these systems. The focus on meticulous management, rigorous data protection, and strict adherence to regulatory frameworks will be essential. This careful approach will be key to maintaining public trust and effectively integrating drones into the future of public safety.