The DRONE Act of 2025 Seeks to Enhance Public Safety with Federal Support
Representatives Lou Correa (D-CA) and Troy Nehls (R-TX) have introduced the bipartisan Directing Resources for Officers Navigating Emergencies (DRONE) Act of 2025. This bill would allow law enforcement agencies to use federal grants to purchase and operate drones, expanding access to technology that enhances public safety and emergency response capabilities.
Expanding Federal Grant Eligibility for Drones
The DRONE Act of 2025 proposes changes to existing federal grant programs. Currently, drones are not an eligible expense under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne-JAG) and Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants. The new legislation would amend these programs, ensuring that first responders can use federal funds to invest in drone technology.
Correa emphasized the importance of providing law enforcement with modern tools. “Drones continue to play an ever-growing role in protecting our communities and responding to emergencies in a safer manner. By continuing to unlock their potential we can save taxpayers millions and make our streets safer. It’s a win-win.”
Nehls, a former sheriff, highlighted the practical benefits. “I’m proud to introduce this common-sense bill with Congressman Correa, which would allow law enforcement to purchase drones to make our communities safer.”
Enhancing Public Safety with Drones
Drones have become an essential tool for law enforcement. Agencies use them for bomb squad operations, hazardous material spills, traffic accident investigations, crime scene documentation, and search and rescue missions. Sheriff Barnes of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department described their significance: “UAS programs can also provide critical information for life preservation missions such as barricaded suspects, hostage situations, active shooters, apprehension of armed and dangerous and/or violent suspects, and high-risk search warrants. The DRONE Act will authorize the use of critical federal funds to purchase UAS equipment and build out programs to improve the safety of our local communities.”
Public safety organizations have voiced their strong support. The Major County Sheriffs of America commended the bill, stating, “By adding unmanned aircraft systems as an eligible expense to the Byrne and COPS grant programs, we can equip law enforcement with the best technology to protect communities and respond to emergencies effectively.”
Widespread Industry and Law Enforcement Support
The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the largest police organization in the U.S., endorsed the bill. Patrick Yoes, National President of the FOP, highlighted its benefits: “Your legislation would allow law enforcement agencies to use Edward R. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne-JAG) funds to help purchase and operate unmanned aircraft systems. It would additionally allow grants offered by the office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) to be used for similar purposes.”
AUVSI, a leading advocate for uncrewed systems, also voiced support. Michael Robbins, President and CEO of AUVSI, stated, “Drones are saving lives in emergency response. They are being relied on to reduce the risk posed to first responders, every day, in communities across the nation.”
A Step Toward Smarter Policing
The bill aligns with broader efforts to integrate drones into public safety operations. Since the Chula Vista Police Department, the first in the nation to routinely respond to 911 calls using drones, first demonstrated their effectiveness in enhancing situational awareness Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs have become common around the country. Improved technology and supportive legislation has meant that the programs have even more capability to save lives – of officers, perpetrators, and victims. The DRONE Act of 2025 aims to expand such programs nationwide.
The bill enjoys bipartisan support and endorsements from major law enforcement and public safety organizations, underscoring its potential impact on policing and community safety
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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This is good news for law enforcement, but what about fire and other first responders? No mention of them in this article and it sounds like not in the bill either. Police departments are not the only ones that use drones, and fire services need grant programs for this as well.
I wonder if it could be a private sector / public sector coop. I’ve tried to approach local police depts about assisting in starting. Drone program, and couldn’t get the time of day. I didn’t go to any fire stations, or the fire chief tho.