The Los Angeles Police Commission has approved a new policy allowing the LAPD to deploy drones as first responders for routine emergency calls. This decision, announced Tuesday, expands the use of drones to include scenarios such as high-risk incidents, investigative purposes, large-scale events, and natural disasters. Previously, drones were limited to situations involving barricaded suspects or explosives. The updated policy transfers drone command from the Air Support Division to the Office of Special Operations.
LAPD Commander Bryan Lium emphasized that drones provide crucial real-time information to officers, enhancing their response to emergencies. The policy change follows the success of similar programs in other cities, such as Chula Vista, where drones have been used effectively since 2018. The Chula Vista Police Department’s program demonstrated that drones could arrive on the scene in under 2.5 minutes, often faster than ground units, and helped avoid unnecessary dispatches of patrol units over 1,000 times.
The LAPD plans to launch a pilot program next month in four divisions: Topanga, West L.A., Harbor, and Central. The program aims to improve response times and resource allocation. However, the policy has faced skepticism, with concerns about privacy and potential misuse during mass demonstrations. Commissioner Teresa Sanchez Gordon stressed the need for clear guidelines to protect public rights.
Officials assured that drones would not be equipped with weapons or facial recognition software, and their footage would undergo periodic audits. A public web portal will allow residents to track drone deployments, though video access will be restricted.
The LAPD’s move comes amid debates over the cost-effectiveness of its helicopter program and follows the lead of other local agencies like Beverly Hills and Culver City, which have already integrated drones into their operations. The department will report on the program’s progress within six months.
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