Police Drones – Today’s Top Four Uses
Drones are rapidly becoming trusted partners for law enforcement across the nation, with adoption rates increasing at an exponential pace. The driving factors are clear: lower cost, faster FAA approvals, ease-of-use, and growing public recognition of police drone benefits. Today, drones priced under $15,000 rival—if not outperform—systems that cost more than $100,000 just a few years ago. Even entry-level drones under $1,300 now include digital down-links and 4K HD cameras, making them highly suitable for a wide range of law enforcement needs.
In response to this growth, the FAA streamlined approval processes. Agencies now often receive authorization approvals in under two months, with FAA staff welcoming law enforcement inquiries. Prior approvals are publicly available, serving as roadmaps for success.
Here are the top four ways police drones are being used today:
1. Crime and Accident Scenes
Crime and accident scene documentation has been revolutionized by drones. Once motivated by convenience and cost savings, drones now bring additional benefits: closer inspections, minimal disruption of neighborhoods, and aerial angles impossible with other tools.
With the rise of 3D mapping software, drones can now generate highly accurate three-dimensional reconstructions of scenes. Agencies like the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are pioneering this method using PIX4D software, delivering reconstructions with 5mm accuracy for investigation and court-ready documentation.
2. Pre-Raid Intelligence
Traditionally, pre-raid intel required a slow-roll drive-by or walking the target neighborhood—methods that risk detection. Drones now provide a stealthy and efficient alternative. Even affordable drones like the DJI Phantom can quietly capture hundreds of high-resolution photos from multiple angles, all while remaining nearly undetectable. Custom drones with multi-sensor payloads can complete passes with thermal, IR, or zoom capabilities, then serve as overwatch platforms providing live video to command teams.
3. Search & Rescue (SAR) and Fugitive Recovery
Drones excel at covering ground quickly and systematically. Their precision flight patterns, combined with thermal IR cameras, make missing persons or fugitives stand out instantly. Unlike manned aircraft, drones can fly pre-programmed GPS-controlled grids, ensuring complete coverage. High-resolution color sensors further enhance the ability to identify subtle details critical to both SAR and fugitive recovery missions.
4. Tactical & Disaster Response
From active shooters to natural disasters, drones deliver real-time situational awareness while keeping officers out of harm’s way. Modern platforms like the DJI Matrice series securely stream HD video to multiple teams, giving command staff, entry units, and even remote leadership a shared live view. This capability enhances both tactical decisions and disaster resource allocation while ensuring officer safety.
Addendum – Drones as First Responders & Patrol Tools
Beyond the four traditional uses above, agencies in the U.S. are now deploying drones as **first responders and patrol assets**. Through "drone as first responder" (DFR) programs, drones can be launched immediately after a 911 call, often arriving on scene before officers. This provides instant aerial intelligence, helping dispatchers, supervisors, and responding officers make faster, safer decisions.
Additionally, drones are being used in **routine patrols** to extend officer visibility, deter crime, and provide overwatch during large public gatherings. As this application grows, more agencies are recognizing the value of drones not just as reactive tools, but as proactive force multipliers. For more details, explore our drone collection or contact us to discuss building a program for your agency.
Contact MAXSUR
Phone: 314-270-2150
Email: jlahmann@maxsur.com
Jake Lahmann is MAXSUR’s Chief Operations Officer and has been directly involved in the surveillance and UAS industry for over 25 years.