LAPD⁣ to Expand Drone Use for Emergency calls

Updated June 24, 2025

Los Angeles police will⁤ soon use drones‌ in response to routine​ emergency⁤ calls, following a decision by the Los Angeles Police Commission.The civilian oversight body approved the updated policy Tuesday, citing the successes ‍of drone programs ⁢in other cities. This expansion ⁤of the role of drones​ aims to provide officers with⁢ real-time information during potentially hazardous ⁤situations.

The ⁤new guidelines outline several scenarios for drone deployment, including high-risk incidents, investigations, large-scale events,⁣ and natural disasters. Command of the departmentS nine drones ⁢will ‍shift from the Air Support division to the Office of Special Operations.Previously, drone use was limited to barricaded suspects or incidents involving explosives.

LAPD Cmdr. Bryan Lium told commissioners the technology offers crucial, real-time⁢ information about potential threats. Officials also stated there is strong community support for using drones to combat crime,⁣ while assuring‍ the public that the new policy will adhere to constitutional rights.

A pilot program is slated to begin next month in four police divisions: Topanga,West ​L.A., Harbor,⁢ and Central. The Police Commission has requested a progress report within ⁤six months.

Commissioner⁢ Rasha Gerges Shields noted the‌ previous policy was “very restrictive” due to the technology ⁣being unproven. She added ‍that ⁣the LAPD had fallen “behind the times” compared to other agencies. Gerges Shields, ‍who served on the internal work group that crafted the new policy, pointed to Beverly Hills⁢ as​ an example of a city‍ effectively⁣ using surveillance technology. She suggested drones could prevent dangerous standoffs by informing officers if a suspect is armed.

Commissioner Teresa Sanchez Gordon⁣ expressed concerns about protecting the public,notably during mass demonstrations. ‌She questioned whether​ clear guidelines existed for drone deployment during protests, emphasizing the need to safeguard ‍individuals lawfully exercising⁤ their rights.

The updated policy permits ​monitoring mass protests⁤ for safety, but officials stressed​ drones will not track ⁢demonstrators not ⁤engaged in⁤ criminal activity. ‍Drones will not be equipped with weapons or facial recognition software.

Drone footage will be subject to periodic audits. The department plans to create a ⁣public web portal to track drone flight⁢ paths,⁢ dates,⁢ times, and locations of deployment, but the actual ⁢video ​footage⁣ will not be⁢ accessible.

Critics remain‍ skeptical, citing the department’s history with surveillance technology and expressing ⁣fears that drones will disproportionately target communities of color. Several opponents⁢ voiced their concerns ⁤at tuesday’s meeting.

The drones, weighing between 2.5 and 5 pounds, can cover two miles in approximately two minutes, according to officials.

The push to expand‌ the role of drones ⁤gained momentum ‍after a series of ​high-profile burglaries on ⁣the city’s West ‍Side. the expansion also coincides with ongoing⁣ debates about ‌the cost-effectiveness of the department’s helicopter program.

The LAPD ⁢is following the lead of neighboring agencies like Beverly Hills, Culver City, and Chula Vista, ⁣which have been using drones on patrol for‍ years under more permissive regulations.‌ Cmdr. Shannon Paulson said ⁢the new policy will provide greater versatility.Such as, under the old policy, dispatching a drone to ‌a bomb threat required approval from a deputy chief⁢ at ‌the scene, causing delays.

What’s next

The pilot program will​ be closely monitored, with the Police Commission expecting a comprehensive report in six months. The report⁢ will⁢ address the program’s effectiveness, community impact, and adherence to ⁤privacy guidelines. The future ⁣role of drones ⁢in the LAPD will ‍depend on the findings⁣ of‌ this pilot program and ongoing community feedback.