Last Update: 08/01/2026 at 12:01 PM EST

LAPD Drones Reach Emergency Calls Before Patrol Officers

Coverage from Yahoo, ABC7, and others

Articles

Days Since Update

The Story

LAPD Drones Reach Emergency Calls Before Patrol Officers image

The Los Angeles Police Department says drones in its nearly year-long first-responder pilot reached emergency scenes before patrol units 73% of the time. The drones provide aerial assessments of crime scenes, crashes, possible suspects, weapons, vehicles, and license plates, and the department expects to establish a full-time drone unit. LAPD also presents the program as a way to improve efficiency amid officer shortages, while emphasizing recording limits and a public tracking portal to address privacy concerns.

First Article: 07/28/26

Latest Article: 07/28/26

The Bigger Picture

Articles in this story are part of a shaping these topics.

Police Expand Drone First Responder Programs

Municipal and county agencies are using fixed launch sites, docking stations, and remote operators to send drones to 911 calls.

Articles

07-26-2026

ABC7

LAPD Drones Reach Emergency Calls Before Patrol Officers

Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell said a municipal drone pilot launched nearly a year ago dispatches drones before patrol units to aid emergency response.

07-25-2026

Yahoo

LAPD Drones Reach 73% of Emergency Calls Before Patrol Units

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell reported first-responder drone pilot results, including 42 mph response and delayed recording to address privacy concerns in Los Angeles.

07-25-2026

ABC7 Los Angeles

LAPD Drones Reach Emergency Calls Before Officers 73% of the Time

Jim McDonnell reported Los Angeles Police Department drones improved emergency arrival times and supported missing-child and crime-scene assessment under a near-yearlong pilot in Los Angeles.