U.S. Police Use AI-Powered Drones to Track Down Criminals

Police departments across the United States are actively deploying advanced drones equipped with artificial intelligence to combat crime and respond to emergencies, Axios reports, citing law enforcement sources.

According to the outlet, nearly every major U.S. city now has a drone program within its police department. These drones are used for surveillance, suspect tracking, incident documentation, and criminal investigations. They allow officers to access real-time aerial footage and situational data.

In addition to law enforcement tasks, drones are also used for medical interventions — for instance, delivering nasal sprays that can reverse drug overdoses. They are dispatched immediately after a 911 emergency call, acting as a new kind of rapid response unit.

For example, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, drones are helping police catch car thieves.