LAPD Unveils Plan for Citywide Drone Fleet

Drones would be stationed at major shopping centers to aid emergency response across Los Angeles.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Los Angeles Police Department has proposed a plan to purchase a fleet of drones that would be stationed at various locations across the city, including major commercial centers like the Vineyards Porter Ranch shopping mall. The $3.9 million program, funded by a police foundation donation and a retail theft policing grant, would provide the LAPD with real-time aerial surveillance capabilities to improve emergency response times and situational awareness for officers.

Why it matters

The LAPD's drone program aims to enhance public safety and officer safety by giving them a bird's-eye view of emergency scenes. However, the proposal has raised concerns from privacy advocates about potential misuse of the surveillance technology and its impact on civil liberties.

The details

Under the plan, the LAPD would purchase a fleet of Skydio drones and install docking stations at 17 locations across the city, including 2 stations at the Vineyards Porter Ranch shopping center. The drones would be able to operate within a 2-3 mile radius of the docking stations, providing live video and thermal imaging to officers on the ground. The department says the drones could help resolve some calls for service without direct officer contact, preserving resources for higher priority needs.

  • The LAPD began testing drones in 2024 as part of its Drone as First Responder Program.
  • In November 2025, the department expanded the drone program to 5 locations, conducting 1,779 flights and resolving 135 calls for service before officers arrived.
  • The Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners voted unanimously on February 10, 2026 to approve a $2.1 million donation to fund the citywide drone fleet.

The players

LAPD

The Los Angeles Police Department, which is proposing the citywide drone program.

Los Angeles Police Foundation

A nonprofit organization that would provide a $2.1 million donation to help fund the LAPD's drone fleet.

Skydio Inc.

The drone manufacturer that the LAPD has selected for its Drone as First Responder Program.

The Stop LAPD Spying Coalition

A group that has raised concerns about the potential privacy implications of the LAPD's use of drones.

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What’s next

The Los Angeles City Council will consider approving the $2.1 million donation from the Los Angeles Police Foundation at a future meeting before the drone program can move forward.

The takeaway

The LAPD's proposed citywide drone fleet highlights the ongoing tension between public safety and civil liberties, as the department seeks to leverage new technologies to enhance emergency response while privacy advocates raise concerns about potential misuse of surveillance capabilities.