The Top 5 Best Drones for Law Enforcement

The ever-changing needs of public safety require modern and versatile solutions. Among these are UAS programs, which provide agencies of any size with increased capabilities. Fortunately, drone manufacturers have also recognized their potential in public safety and are designing UAS platforms with specifications and features tailored for that role. With so many options now available, departments ask, “Which one?”  

To answer that question, we’ve listed some of the best drones for law enforcement operations. We will look at the platforms’ features and describe some of the scenarios for which they are designed. One of these police drones may soon deploy with your agency on regular calls.

DJI Matrice 30 T (M30T)

The most recent addition to DJI’s Enterprise line, the M30T is the optimal combination of flight performance and payload capability.

M30T Overview

Flight time: 41 minutes

Range: up to 15 km (9.3 mi)

Speed: 51 mph

Payload(s): 1 gimbal-stabilized hybrid sensor with a 12MP wide camera, a 16x optical zoom camera, a 640p thermal camera, a laser rangefinder

Price: 14,000 USD

Unique features:

• Dedicated Enterprise controller
• Compact airframe
• Hot-swappable batteries
• 4G connectivity options

The M30T deploys rapidly, making it the optimal platform to support resource-intensive calls like SWAT operations. The flexibility of optical and thermal cameras enhances situational awareness and ensures officers don’t meet any surprises. Should the operation last longer, hot-swappable batteries enable rapid relaunch times.

DJI Matrice 300 RTK

A workhorse of law enforcement UAS programs, the Matrice 300 provides operators with top-of-the-line performance and multiple payload ports for added capabilities.

Matrice 300 RTK Overview

Flight time: 55 minutes (without payloads)

Range: up to 15 km (9.3 mi)

Speed: 51 mph

Payload(s): Zenmuse: XT2, XT S, Z30, H20, H20T, H20N, P1, L1

Price: 14,000 USD

Unique features:

• Can carry up to three gimbals in multiple payload configurations
• Hot-swappable batteries

The Matrice 300 is one of the best law enforcement surveillance drones available. Like the M30T, the Matrice 300 is optimized for long-endurance operations and the platform of choice for several Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs. With nearly an hour of flight time, decision-makers can count on maintaining a vantage point throughout a hostage crisis or major event. When paired with a tether system, its endurance is almost indefinite. Payload flexibility is a unique advantage as operators are sure their aircraft is properly equipped for the tasks at hand.

DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced (M2EA)

Don’t let its small size fool you – the M2EA is a powerful platform built for frequent use within public safety operations. Given the popularity and feedback from the field and our own pilots, the Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced ranks as one of the best drones in emergency management.

DJI M2EA Overview

Flight time: 31 minutes

Range: up to 10 km (6.2 mi)

Speed: 45 mph

Payload(s): 1 gimbal-stabilized hybrid sensor with a 48MP optical camera and a 640p thermal camera

Price: 6,900 USD

Unique features:

• Accessory options, including speaker, spotlight, and RTK module
• Ultra-compact airframe

Smaller than both of its Enterprise cousins, the M2EA puts thermal imagery in the palm of your hand. Its profile makes it suitable for indoor flight, by which operators can fly in ahead of a SWAT team and clear a building before personnel enter. Furthermore, a small footprint makes it to deploy with a law enforcement patrol car and deploy at vehicle stops, for example. 

Autel EVO II Dual 640T Enterprise

A direct counterpart of the M2EA, the Autel EVO II Enterprise provides a similar set of capabilities in the same footprint.

Autel EVO II Dual 640T Enterprise Overview

Flight time: 41 minutes

Range: up to 13 km (8 mi)

Speed: 44 mph

Payload(s): 1 gimbal-stabilized hybrid sensor with a 48MP optical camera and a 640p radiometric thermal camera

Price: 9,200 USD

Unique features:

• 8K video quality
• Predictive Target Tracking
• Ultra-compact airframe

The EVO II has a similar mission profile to the M2EA. Portability and rapid deployment place this category of UAVs at the top of the list for quick response platforms. Predictive Target Tracking makes it easier to maintain eyes on a fleeing suspect or vehicle.

ANAFI USA

The ANAFI USA is made by well-known robotics manufacturer, Parrot, and is an equivalent to the M2EA and Autel EVO II.

ANAFI USA Overview

Flight time: 32 minutes

Range: up to 4 km (2.5 mi)

Speed: 32.88 mph

Payload(s): 1 gimbal-stabilized hybrid sensor with a 21mp wide camera, a 21mp telephoto camera, and a 320p thermal camera

Price: 7,000 USD

Unique features:

• Blue UAS Compliant
• Discreet sound profile: 79dB at 1m height
• Used by DOD and DOJ operators
• Ultra-compact airframe

While it may be in the same category as the popular M2EA and EVO II, the ANAFI platform stands out for one important reason – it’s Blue UAS compliant. In response to concerns over data leaks, federal legislature has mandated defense and federal law enforcement operators to use UAS made in the United States. Some states, including Florida, are following suit requiring agencies within the state to do the same. Therefore, the ANAFI USA is a capable option for agencies who find themselves under this law.

BONUS: Digital Aerolus Aertos 130 IR

Compared to the other platforms mentioned above, the Digital Aerolus is an unorthodox option. Nevertheless as a thermal UAV, it provides specialized features useful across many scenarios.

Aertos 130 IR Overview

Flight time: 10 minutes

Range: N/A

Speed: N/A

Payload(s): 1 gimbal-stabilized 15.3MP Sony RX011, FLIR Boson 320p thermal camera, FPV camera

Price: Approximately 25,000 USD

Unique features:

• Folded Geometry Framework (FGF): UAV can self-correct mid-flight
• GPS-denied flight
• High-quality Sony imaging integration
• Protected flight components
• Made in the USA

Features like GPS-denied flight and FGF give the Aertos 130 IR a degree of survivability not available with other platforms. For agencies frequently responding to confined space calls, the Aertos 130 IR may be the best UAS solution. Tunnels, pipelines, ships, and caves make conventional searches inefficient and dangerous for responders. Of course, these features also make it the perfect tool to clear buildings ahead of tactical officers, ensuring the platform survives the most difficult of environments.

Conclusion

The right option will be the one that matches your agency’s UAS operational goals.  While all aircraft are capable options, some are better suited for specific scenarios than others. That’s why a thorough assessment of your needs is critical for making the right decision. If you’re interested in any of these platforms or would benefit from a consultation, please contact a FLYMOTION representative directly or visit our website for more information on our product offerings.

---