The evolution of drones in law enforcement has been one of the most significant technological transformations in modern public safety. It has required years of innovation, persistence, regulatory reform, and collaboration among public safety agencies, industry, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The new regulations sparked widespread interest among public safety agencies, particularly law enforcement. According to DRONERESPONDERS research, the number of public safety drone programs — primarily within law enforcement tactical teams — had grown to more than 8,000 by 2023. Looking aheadThe evolution of public safety drones has been remarkable.