The Kansas City Police Department has launched a drone program that allows unmanned aircraft to respond to emergency calls, marking a significant expansion in how law enforcement uses aerial technology.
The department has positioned eight drone “nests” throughout the city, which are controlled from KCPD’s real-time crime center. When an emergency call comes in, the nearest drone can be deployed and arrive at the scene within 30 seconds, according to Capt. Jake Becchina.
The drones are housed in rectangular shells that provide electrical charging and weather protection. When activated by remote signal, the shell opens and the drone launches vertically to respond to calls.
Each drone has approximately 30 minutes of battery life and can fly up to 35 mph. Because they operate in the air, they can reach locations faster than patrol cars and aren’t constrained by traffic patterns.
Maj. Greg Williams, the program’s project manager, said the drones will help assess situations before officers arrive, potentially reducing the number of calls requiring officer response by up to 20%. This would allow officers to focus on serious crimes where people are in danger.
The drones can also assist with car chases and tracking suspects, though Williams stated they will not be used for surveillance purposes.
The department uses DJI drones, manufactured by a Chinese company that has faced federal security concerns. DJI recently sued the Federal Communications Commission after the government banned sales of new drone models in the U.S. KCPD operates the aircraft using DroneSense, American-made software designed for law enforcement.
The ACLU has called for strict regulations on how police use drones to monitor crowds and respond to crimes.
Police received a special Part 108 waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration, allowing the drones to fly beyond an operator’s line of sight—a restriction that typically limits most drone operations.
The drones currently operate up to 200 feet above ground. Through a federal Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program grant, the department will soon expand that limit to 400 feet, increasing their operational range.
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