MITRE’s Brian Dorow, Chief Homeland Security Enterprise Advisor, explores the evolving role of drones in law enforcement in his latest article for Police Chief Magazine. With over 1,500 U.S. police departments now using drones for search and rescue, crime scene documentation, and more, these technologies significantly enhance safety and situational awareness. However, FAA regulations requiring line-of-sight operation still pose challenges to pilots.
Dorow highlights that while some cities have invested in drone technology and training, many local first responder departments lack comprehensive, standardized training programs. There is an urgent need for nationally available, specialized training to ensure that law enforcement agencies can maximize the benefits of drones while ensuring safe and effective operations.