August 1, 2024

What Kind of Drones Do Police Use?

Written by

Matthew

Law enforcement agencies use drones for a variety of reasons, leveraging their advanced capabilities to enhance public safety, improve operational efficiency, and increase officer safety.

Here are some key reasons why police departments are incorporating drones into their operations:

1. Enhanced Surveillance and Reconnaissance:

Drones provide real-time aerial views of large areas, offering crucial situational awareness during events, protests, or crime scenes. This helps in monitoring and managing crowds, identifying potential threats, and gathering evidence, all while keeping operators a safe distance away from any emerging danger.

2. Search and Rescue Operations:

Drones equipped with thermal imaging and high-resolution cameras can quickly cover large and hard-to-reach areas, locating missing persons or suspects more efficiently than ground searches.

3. Accident and Crime Scene Investigation:

Aerial imagery from drones can accurately document accident and crime scenes, providing detailed 2D maps and 3D models that aid in investigations and legal proceedings.

4. Tactical Support:

In high-risk situations such as hostage rescues, active shooter incidents, or armed standoffs, drones can provide critical real-time intelligence without exposing officers to danger, improving decision-making and response strategies while protecting those on the front lines.

5. Border and Perimeter Security:

Drones are used to monitor borders, critical infrastructure, and large perimeters, detecting unauthorized activities or intrusions and providing rapid situational updates.

6. Cost-Effective and Efficient:

Compared to manned aircraft, drones are more cost-effective, easier to deploy, and capable of operating in various environments, making them an efficient tool for a variety of  law enforcement tasks.

7. Evidence Gathering and Documentation:

Drones can capture high-quality video and photographic evidence from unique perspectives, aiding in the documentation of incidents and enhancing the accuracy of reports.

By utilizing drones, police can respond more quickly and effectively to incidents, gather valuable intelligence, and ensure the safety of both officers and the communities they serve.

This article explores the specific types of drones that are leading this aerial revolution, showcasing how they cater to the diverse needs of law enforcement missions.

The Multifaceted Drones of Law Enforcement

Police departments employ a variety of drones, each selected for its specific capabilities that meet the diverse needs of law enforcement agencies. From compact, easily deployable models for rapid response purposes to larger, more sophisticated drones equipped with advanced surveillance technologies, the choice of drone is dictated by the mission at hand.

Quadcopters for Quick Deployment and Versatility

Quadcopters, characterized by their four rotors, are among the most commonly used drones by police departments. Their ease of use, stability in flight, and ability to hover in place make them ideal for a range of operations, including crowd monitoring, traffic incident surveillance, and the documentation of crime scenes.

Fixed-Wing Drones for Extended Surveillance

For missions requiring longer flight times and covering larger areas, law enforcement turns to fixed-wing drones. These drones can fly for longer durations and at higher speeds, making them suitable for search and rescue operations, patrolling vast natural landscapes, and monitoring large-scale public events.

Thermal Imaging Drones for Night Operations

Thermal imaging technology has revolutionized nighttime operations, allowing police to detect individuals based on heat signatures. Drones equipped with thermal cameras are invaluable for search and rescue missions in challenging conditions, surveillance in low-light scenarios, and locating suspects in hiding.

Multi-Sensor Payload Drones for Comprehensive Intelligence Gathering

Advanced drones equipped with multi-sensor payloads offer law enforcement the capability to gather a wide range of data during a single flight. These drones can carry combinations of high-definition cameras, thermal imaging sensors, and sometimes even chemical sensors to provide comprehensive situational awareness.

Drone as a First Responder (DFR)

Drone as a First Responder (DFR) represents a transformative approach to emergency response, leveraging the deployment of the drone from a fixed installation, like the roof of a police station. The speed and agility of drones enables a faster arrival to  incident scenes than traditional ground units can accomplish.

Equipped with high-resolution cameras and real-time communication capabilities, DFR drones provide crucial situational awareness to first responders before they reach the site, empowering them to better prepare and allocate resources.

This rapid deployment can significantly improve response times, enhance the safety of both the public and emergency personnel, and increase the efficiency of operations such as search and rescue, firefighting, and law enforcement.

By integrating DFR technology, agencies can revolutionize their emergency response strategies, ensuring quicker, more informed, and more effective interventions.

First-Person View Drones (FPV)

First-Person View (FPV) drones are becoming indispensable tools for indoor use by law enforcement, providing critical advantages in various tactical scenarios. These drones offer a live video feed from the drone's perspective, enabling officers to navigate confined and complex indoor environments with precision and safety.

In high-risk situations such as hostage rescues, active shooter incidents, or building searches, FPV drones allow law enforcement to gather real-time intelligence without exposing personnel to potential dangers. Their compact size and maneuverability make them ideal for accessing tight spaces and providing detailed visuals of otherwise hard-to-reach areas.

By utilizing FPV drones indoors, law enforcement can enhance situational awareness, improve decision-making abilities, and ultimately ensure a safer outcome for both officers and civilians.

Robotic Teaming

Robotic teaming in law enforcement is revolutionizing the way agencies approach complex and high-risk operations. This innovative strategy involves the coordinated use of multiple robotic systems, such as drones, ground robots, and autonomous vehicles, to work together seamlessly in real time.

These robotic teams enhance situational awareness, gather critical intelligence, and execute tasks that would be too dangerous or challenging for human officers alone. For example, drones can provide aerial surveillance and real-time video feeds, while ground robots can navigate hazardous environments to defuse bombs or locate suspects.

This collaborative approach not only increases the efficiency and effectiveness of law enforcement operations, but also significantly enhances officer safety by reducing the need for direct human involvement in perilous situations.

By leveraging the power of robotic teaming, law enforcement agencies can respond more swiftly, strategically, and safely to a wide range of incidents.

The Tactical Bubble Integration

The Tactical Bubble integration of robotics in law enforcement represents a groundbreaking advancement in public safety and operational efficiency. This innovative approach utilizes a network of interconnected robotic systems, including drones, ground robots, and autonomous vehicles, seamlessly connected through advanced mesh networks.

By incorporating Blue Force Tracking, such as TAK (Team Awareness Kit) or other situational awareness software solutions, operational coordination is significantly enhanced.

At the core of the Tactical Bubble is the Connected Operator, equipped with the latest hands-free communication solutions, advanced protective ballistic helmets with integrated power for various tools, and hardened chest-mounted tablets and phones for situational awareness.

These operators also carry easily accessible and removable mobile ad-hoc network (MANET) radios for command and control. Data from unmanned systems is fed into either an on-scene mobile command vehicle or an off-site emergency operations center.

The flexibility and security of MANET systems allows the Tactical Bubble to expand, incorporating crewed aircraft, additional ground assets, and cameras, thereby extending its operational reach and efficacy. This comprehensive integration ensures a robust, mission-ready framework that enhances situational awareness, improves response times, and prioritizes overall safety in law enforcement operations. 

Top Drones for Aerial Law Enforcement

The integration of drones into police work marks a significant leap forward in how public safety operations are conducted. Among the fleet of drones that have earned their stripes in law enforcement, certain models stand out for their reliability, advanced features, and adaptability to various mission requirements.

Let's explore some of these key platforms.

DJI Matrice 300 RTK

Leading the charge is the DJI Matrice 300 RTK, renowned for its exceptional reliability and precision navigation. This drone is a workhorse, capable of extensive flight durations and equipped with RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) for pinpoint accuracy.

Its versatility is further underscored by its ability to support multiple payloads, making it invaluable for everything from thermal imaging in search and rescue to detailed aerial photography for crime scene investigations.

Autel EVO Max

For missions requiring swift deployment and versatility, the Autel EVO Max shines.

This drone balances compactness with impressive performance, featuring long flight times, 8K video capability, and advanced obstacle detection systems. Its ease of use and rapid deployment capabilities make it a favorite for time-sensitive operations where every second counts.


DJI M30T

The DJI M30T is a versatile drone tailored for law enforcement, equipped with a high-resolution thermal camera, 200x hybrid zoom, and a laser rangefinder. Its compact and rugged design ensures reliability in challenging conditions, while its advanced imaging capabilities provide critical real-time intelligence for search and rescue, surveillance, and tactical operations.

The M30T enhances officer safety and operational efficiency, making it an essential tool for modern law enforcement agencies.

DJI Mavic 3

The DJI Mavic 3 is celebrated for its compact design and advanced imaging capabilities. With a dual-camera system equipped with a 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad sensor, it delivers the unparalleled image quality that is crucial for forensic applications, accurate surveillance, and detailed investigations.

Its agility and ease of deployment make it an indispensable tool for police forces needing quick aerial assessments.

Teledyne FLIR SIRAS

When night falls, the Teledyne FLIR SIRAS takes center stage. Designed with thermal imaging technology, this drone excels in night missions, allowing operators to detect heat signatures in total darkness. Its capabilities are pivotal for search and rescue operations, suspect tracking, and surveillance in low-light scenarios.

Autel Robotics’ Dragonfish VTOL Drone

Breaking the mold with its fixed-wing design, the Autel Robotics’ Dragonfish stands out for its prolonged flight times and VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) capabilities.

This makes it perfectly suited for covering large areas, offering law enforcement a bird's-eye view for extended periods, which is crucial for comprehensive area surveillance and real-time intelligence gathering.

Delta Quad Evo VTOL Drone


The DeltaQuad Evo is an advanced VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) drone designed for law enforcement, offering long-range capabilities and exceptional endurance. With its ability to transition between vertical takeoff and fixed-wing flight, the DeltaQuad Evo provides extended aerial surveillance and real-time intelligence over vast areas.

Equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging, it is ideal for search and rescue, border patrol, and tactical missions. Its robust design and user-friendly interface ensure reliable performance and easy operation, making it a valuable asset for enhancing situational awareness and operational efficacy in law enforcement.

Elevating the Capabilities of Law Enforcement

The advent of drone technology in law enforcement operations represents a transformative shift towards more dynamic, efficient, and effective public safety strategies. From the robust DJI Matrice 300 RTK to the nimble Autel EVO Max, the sophisticated DJI M30T, the night-vision Teledyne FLIR SIRAS, and the enduring Autel Robotics’ Dragonfish Drone, each model offers unique benefits.

As drone technology continues to evolve, so too will the capabilities of police forces, ensuring they remain ahead in the ever-changing landscape of public safety and law enforcement.

FAQs on Drones for Police Use

Why are drones becoming increasingly important in law enforcement operations?

Drones offer a unique combination of versatility, efficiency, and safety in law enforcement operations. They can cover large areas quickly, provide real-time aerial footage, conduct surveillance without putting officers at risk, and are invaluable in search and rescue operations. Their ability to be deployed rapidly makes them crucial in time-sensitive situations, enhancing public safety and operational success.

What features make the DJI Matrice 300 RTK a top choice for police use?

The DJI Matrice 300 RTK is favored for its exceptional flight reliability, precision RTK navigation, and versatile payload capabilities. It can carry multiple payloads, offering flexibility for various mission requirements, such as thermal imaging and high-resolution photography. Its extended flight time and advanced safety features also make it invaluable for extended law enforcement operations.

How does the Autel EVO Max stand out in law enforcement applications?

The Autel EVO Max is notable for its compact design, ease of deployment, and comprehensive obstacle avoidance system. Its 8K video resolution capability and long flight time make it ideal for detailed surveillance and rapid response scenarios. Its versatility and user-friendly operation cater to a wide range of law enforcement needs.

Can the Teledyne FLIR SIRAS operate in complete darkness?

Yes. The Teledyne FLIR SIRAS is specifically designed for nighttime operations, equipped with advanced thermal imaging technology that allows it to detect heat signatures even in complete darkness. This capability is crucial for search and rescue missions, surveillance, and tracking suspects in low-light conditions, enhancing situational awareness and operational efficacy at night.

What advantages do the Autel Robotics’ Dragonfish and the Delta Quad Evo VTOL drones offer for extended surveillance missions?

The Autel Robotics’ Dragonfish and the Delta Quad Evo are distinguished by their fixed-wing designs, which enable extended-endurance flights that are ideal for extended surveillance missions. Their VTOL capabilities allow for flexible deployment in diverse environments without the need for a runway. Additionally, their ability to cover vast areas quickly and provide real-time intelligence make them a game-changer for comprehensive area surveillance and strategic planning.

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