How Las Vegas Police's New Drone Skyports Redefine Airspace Operations
Key Points
- 1LVMPD unveiled a new Fusion Watch Center and 13-site 'skyport' network, housing 38 'dock' drones for 24/7 remote operation.
- 2The program completed 10,000 drone missions in 2025, the highest volume of any US public safety agency, with plans to double missions in 2026.
- 3The operation is enabled by specific FAA authorization, allowing the Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) to function as a Drone as a First Responder (DFR) model.
- 4The initiative is a major public-private partnership and sets a new precedent for integrating police UAS into the National Airspace System.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) has formally unveiled its expanded Fusion Watch and Drone Operations Center.
This new infrastructure includes a network of 13 rooftop “skyports” across the city. The program aims to make LVMPD one of the most technologically advanced police forces. Sheriff Kevin McMahill called it a long-term effort to modernize community protection.
A New Standard for Public Safety UAS
The LVMPD’s Las Vegas Police drone program utilizes a fleet of approximately 75 Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). Thirty-eight of these are “dock” drones housed at the new skyports. These drones are remotely operated 24/7 by pilots inside the centralized Fusion Watch center.
Assistant Sheriff Dori Koren noted the program’s massive scale. The department oversaw about 10,000 drone missions in 2025. This volume is reportedly more than any other public agency in the United States. LVMPD anticipates roughly doubling this number in 2026, projecting about 1,700 flights per month.
Operational Impact and Technology
This Drone as a First Responder (DFR) model allows officers to request an aerial asset before arriving on-scene. This provides immediate, real-time intelligence. Program manager Steven Oscar called this a “paradigm shift in police work.” Drones can reach calls for service in under two minutes within a two-mile radius of a launch site.
The drones, supplied by manufacturer Skydio, are equipped with advanced technology. This includes artificial intelligence (AI) to prevent collisions with fixed objects or other aircraft. They also feature thermal imaging capabilities. This feature has been critical in search and rescue, such as locating a missing child.
Navigating the National Airspace System
For an operation of this scale, regulatory compliance is paramount. The LVMPD secured a specific FAA drone authorization last year. This approval allows them to fly drones in areas typically restricted to the general public.
Public safety agencies often operate under the FAA's Part 107 rules or a Certificate of Authorization (COA). A COA grants greater flexibility for operations like Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS). This is necessary for a remote, centralized DFR model. The FAA governs the entire National Airspace System (NAS). The LVMPD must coordinate closely with the FAA to ensure safety and prevent conflicts with manned aircraft. This large-scale deployment serves as a model for other US cities integrating UAS into emergency response. For more information on this and other industry developments, visit our commercial aviation news at flying.flights.
Privacy and Public-Private Partnerships
The initiative is supported by a significant public-private partnership. Companies like Skydio, Helix Electric, and Martin-Harris Construction provided support. The Horowitz Family Foundation was also a major donor.
However, the expansion has drawn scrutiny from civil liberties groups. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Nevada has raised concerns. They question the full extent of data collection and potential sharing with federal agencies. LVMPD officials maintain that privacy and civil liberties are a core priority. They state that every flight is logged, audited, and strictly tied to a legitimate public safety purpose.
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