From humble beginnings, Laredo PD launches DFR program By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill Over the past decade or so, the police department in the border city of Laredo, Texas has seen its drone program grow from operating a single low-tech UAV to a full-fledged drone as first responder (DFR) program, which will involve six BRINC drones stationed in drone nests … [Read more...] about From One Drone to a Citywide DFR Network: Laredo PD’s Journey
law enforcement drones
Police Agencies Push Congress for Counter-Drone Powers
Law enforcement groups ask Congress for counter-UAS authority By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill In a recent open letter to congressional leaders, a coalition of 16 law enforcement and corrections agencies is asking lawmakers to give state and large municipal police agencies the authority to conduct counter-UAS operations, including bringing down drones … [Read more...] about Police Agencies Push Congress for Counter-Drone Powers
Texas DPS Tests Aircraft-Mounted Counter-Drone System
Davenport Aviation markets counter-drone system to Texas DPS By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill Given the rising number of incidents in which drones have interfered with manned aircraft carrying out emergency and law enforcement missions, many public agencies are looking for systems that can help them avoid such potentially dangerous encounters. To meet that … [Read more...] about Texas DPS Tests Aircraft-Mounted Counter-Drone System
Congress Targets Active Shooter Situations with New Deescalation Drone Bill
A bipartisan House bill would launch a pilot program to test how small, nonlethal drones could help law enforcement manage active shooter situations and other high-risk scenarios. On May 23, 2025, Representative Troy Nehls (R-TX) introduced the Deescalation Drone Pilot Program Act of 2025 (H.R. 3598), proposing a new approach to one of America's most pressing public safety … [Read more...] about Congress Targets Active Shooter Situations with New Deescalation Drone Bill
Virginia Funds Transition to US Drone Platforms for First Responders
As the federal government advances new restrictions on drones manufactured by foreign adversaries, Virginia has introduced a grant program to help law enforcement and first responders transition to compliant drone technology. In this DRONELIFE exclusive guest post, Michele Satterlund, attorney at MacAuley, Jamerson, Satterlund and Sessa and former executive director of the … [Read more...] about Virginia Funds Transition to US Drone Platforms for First Responders
