Why San Diego County Police are Leading the US in Drone as First Responder Use

Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly called drones, are now essential tools in modern policing. In San Diego County law enforcement drones are ubiquitous. Nearly every agency, from city police to the District Attorney’s office, uses them. These systems act as aerial "force multipliers" for public safety missions.

Police officials praise drones for enhancing situational awareness and improving disaster response. They offer a cost-effective alternative to manned aircraft. However, the rapid adoption of this technology raises significant national security and privacy concerns.

The Drone as First Responder (DFR) Model

San Diego County is a national leader in drone deployment. The Chula Vista Police Department pioneered the Drone as First Responder program in 2018. This program was the first in the U.S. authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fly drones Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) to respond to 911 calls.

This model is now replicated across the country. Oceanside police are the latest local agency to adopt DFR. The goal is to quickly provide officers with critical information. This aerial view helps de-escalate incidents and enhances officer safety. Oceanside police report their drones respond to 20 to 30 calls weekly. They have removed the need for an officer response in almost one-third of cases.

Expanding Operational Capabilities

Law enforcement uses for drones are broad. They include search and rescue, crime scene evidence collection, and monitoring large events. The San Diego Police Department conducted 110 drone operations in a recent year. Most were for "SWAT Support" or "High Risk Tactical Operation."

The FAA has recently streamlined the approval process for public safety agencies. They transitioned from a Certificate of Authorization (COA) to a Certificate of Waiver (COW). This change makes FAA BVLOS waiver public safety operations more attainable. The FAA predicts the number of public safety drones will exceed 30,000 by 2025. The new COW process is reviewed by the FAA Flight Standards only. This change reduces the approval time from months to weeks.

National Security and Procurement Challenges

Despite the operational benefits, a major challenge is the reliance on foreign-made drones. Most local agencies in San Diego County use drones from China-based manufacturers. DJI and Autel Robotics are the most common. Their lower price point made them accessible to many departments.

This reliance has triggered federal action. U.S. lawmakers express concern that Chinese-made drone national security risks are too high. In late 2025, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) placed a ban on new foreign drones. The ban was partially walked back, but it still covers DJI. This action, driven by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), prohibits new models from receiving FCC authorization. Over 80% of U.S. law enforcement drone programs rely on DJI technology. The ban forces agencies to transition to compliant hardware. This creates budget and procurement challenges for many departments.

Local Oversight and Privacy Concerns

The expansion of police drone use has sparked community debate. Privacy advocates warn of potential intrusive surveillance. They worry about the impact on First Amendment-protected activities, such as protesting.

California has addressed these concerns with legislation. California AB 481 drone policy requires law enforcement to be transparent. The law classifies drones as "military equipment." Agencies must publish an annual report on drone use. They must also obtain public approval from local governing bodies. This provides a framework for public oversight. However, community groups remain wary of the technology's proliferation. They argue that laws often lag behind technological advancements. For example, Chula Vista faced community outcry after sharing data from license plate readers with immigration enforcement.

Agencies like Chula Vista have policies prohibiting the intentional recording of private spaces. They also post flight information online. Yet, the question remains about future expansion. As drone technology becomes normalized, communities must set clear limits. The goal is to maximize aerial situational awareness policing benefits while protecting civil liberties.

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