Central Park to be Patrolled by Police Drones

In a recent announcement, Mayor Eric Adams revealed that police drones are now patrolling Central Park in New York City.

Drone operations have been in place in various police precincts across Brooklyn and the Bronx. As of Nov. 13, a drone command center is now active in the Central Park Police Precinct.

These drone commands deploy two drones that can autonomously respond to specific public safety incidents. Their tasks include searching for missing persons, responding to alerts from the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system, and addressing robberies or grand larcenies.

NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry mentioned that they visited Chula Vista, California, to observe and adapt their successful drone program known as the Drone as First Responder program.

In Central Park, the drones will conduct sky patrols, monitor for issues, and relay information to ground units. With over 40 million annual visitors, the Adams administration is prioritizing safety in the park.

The integration of drones into the police force offers significant benefits. Drones can swiftly assess and locate threats, providing police officers with an aerial perspective through their mobile devices. They can navigate hazardous environments, such as collapsed buildings.

Mayor Adams highlighted the effectiveness of drones in monitoring and controlling protests, stating that they have been essential in ensuring the safety of New Yorkers. Adams mentioned instances where NYPD drones assisted in locating a child in danger, spotting sharks near city beaches, and aiding in search operations in emergency situations.

Drones offer the advantages of helicopters at a lower cost. During a House hearing, Daughtry emphasized that drones must not be used for unlawful surveillance or traffic-related enforcement.

“This technology will be used responsibly. We organized a forum to explore the innovative uses of drones to serve New Yorkers,” Adams explained.