The Rise of Drone-as-First-Responder Programs in US Policing

More than 1,000 public safety agencies in the U.S. have obtained Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) waivers to automate drone operations as of February 2026, according to a Freedom of Information Act release. These Part 91 waivers allow police, fire, and emergency management agencies to launch Drone-as-First-Responder (DFR) programs, enabling aerial surveillance beyond the pilot’s line of sight.

The surge in approvals follows an April 2025 FAA decision to streamline and accelerate the waiver process. An FAA representative stated that only 976 DFR waivers had been granted in the seven years between the first program’s launch in 2018 and April 2025. The agency issued more waivers between April 2025 and February 2026 than in that entire previous period combined.

FAA Regulatory Shifts and BVLOS Automation

Standard FAA Part 107 certification requires drone operators to keep the aircraft within their visual line of sight. To operate drones Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) or above 200 feet, agencies must secure additional FAA approval to mitigate the risk of collisions with other aircraft. Without these specific waivers, an officer cannot legally pilot a drone from a remote desk to a call across a city.

The transition to DFR programs marks a shift from human-operated flights to AI-based autonomous use. DFR systems utilize artificial intelligence to automate flights from launchpads typically installed on municipal buildings. This technology allows a single operator to manage multiple devices simultaneously, though not every agency with a BVLOS waiver has fully implemented a DFR program.

Commercial Growth and Operational Use Cases

Companies like Axon and Flock Safety have seen DFR programs become significant revenue drivers. Axon reported that its DFR platform is one of its fastest-growing sectors; the company also produces TASER devices and the Fusus camera integration system.

Law enforcement and equipment vendors claim these drones provide situational awareness before officers arrive on scene. While early adoption focused on high-risk events such as armed suspects or vehicle accidents, a Government Technology analysis of the system in Chula Vista, California, found that deployments often respond to low-risk calls, including mental health concerns, unhoused individuals, and loud music.

The technology also integrates with other surveillance tools. Flock Safety converted its drones into flying ALPRs last year, allowing drone footage to function as part of automated license plate reader networks with minimal additional software.

Privacy Concerns and Night Operations

The ability of drones to capture footage from roofs, backyards, and through windows has raised privacy concerns. A leak of footage from the San Francisco Police Department showed drones observing individuals for several minutes without their knowledge.

Surveillance capabilities are expanding into nighttime operations. In October 2024, the Campbell Police Department in California announced it received the first FAA approval for nighttime BVLOS operations. The department stated it was the first to incorporate radar technology with electro-optical sensors to enhance airspace monitoring, enabling a single remote pilot to safely deploy drones both day and night.

Transparency and Legal Frameworks

Some jurisdictions have implemented transparency measures to manage drone adoption. Certain cities maintain portals that log flight paths and the reasons for each deployment in real time.

In California, AB 481 mandates that police departments provide advance notice before acquiring drones. The law requires agencies to establish usage policies before procurement and provide annual updates on drone use, allowing city councils and communities to object to acquisitions before contracts are signed.