Drones could soon become a more common tool in how the Los Angeles Police Department responds to emergencies. Under a new policy approved Tuesday, June 24, LAPD officers are now authorized to deploy drones during routine emergency calls, marking a significant expansion of the department’s use of unmanned aircraft.
Major policy shift in drone use
Previously, LAPD drone use was limited to high-risk or tactical situations. Commissioners previously kept stricter limits in place, citing the newness of the technology. The policy also lays out potential future uses for the unmanned aircraft, signaling a broader integration into department operations.
The Los Angeles Police Commission, the civilian oversight body for the department, approved new guidelines transferring oversight of the drone program from the Air Support Division to the Office of Special Operations. Looking ahead, the policy outlines broader future applications for drones, including in criminal investigations, natural disasters and large-scale public events.
Officials say drones will improve response and safety
In his recommendation to the commission, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said the updated policy aims to improve rapid response and increasing situational awareness, while emphasizing the responsible use of small unmanned aircraft. McDonnell pointed to other law enforcement agencies across the country that use drones in daily operations to reduce the risk of harm to both officers and the public.
The commission’s approval allows a pilot program to launch in four LAPD divisions across different parts of the city. The policy includes limitations, such as prohibiting the use of weapons on drones and banning their use to monitor demonstrators at peaceful protests.
State law places limits on drone use to protect privacy
California law prohibits the use of airspace to photograph or record a person engaged in private, personal or family activities without their consent. A related statute restricts first responders from capturing images of a crime scene unless there is a clear, lawful reason to do so.
As part of the LAPD’s new drone program, officers are required to follow all federal, state and local laws. The policy also prohibits using drones in any unlawful manner that could harass or discriminate against an individual or group.
Other cities show how drone use can quietly expand
Across the country, law enforcement’s use of drones has steadily grown, and sometimes with minimal oversight. While new technology offers benefits, it also raises concerns. In New York City, some residents have previously criticized the NYPD for using drones to monitor public gatherings. In 2023, NYPD officials said during a press conference that if a call comes in reporting a large public event, the department may deploy a drone to assess the situation. The NYPD also deploys drones to reports of robberies or gunshots to give officers a different vantage point.
Civil liberties groups warn of risks
In 2023, the ACLU said more than 1,400 police departments rely on drones in some capacity, often with little oversight or transparency. In an analysis, the ACLU said that police drone programs often expand beyond emergency use, despite initial promises. For example, in Chula Vista, California, where a drone program had over 14,000 flights, many deployments were in response to non-urgent calls like wellness checks, noise complaints or reports of suspicious activity.
According to reports, the federal government also used drones to monitor protest activity. In one instance, aircraft tracking data from ADS-B Exchange showed Customs and Border Protection flying a Predator drone over Minneapolis during Black Lives Matter demonstrations. The flight raised concerns about the surveillance of lawful public gatherings.
