Cleveland Police Expand Drone Use for Events and Crime Scenes

Drones now deployed about a dozen times since program approved in August 2025

Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:31am

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Cleveland's police drone program, which faced initial scrutiny, is now being used at large public events and active crime scenes to help manage crowd safety, search for suspects, and document incidents. The department has deployed drones about a dozen times since the program was approved in August 2025, with plans to expand its use in 2026.

Why it matters

The use of drones by police has raised privacy concerns, but Cleveland's program aims to use the technology for public safety purposes like monitoring crowds and assisting in active investigations, rather than for general surveillance. The program's expansion reflects a growing trend of law enforcement agencies incorporating drones into their operations.

The details

Cleveland's Deputy Police Chief Jarod Schlacht told City Council that officers have deployed drones about a dozen times since the program was approved in August 2025. The drones have been used to monitor large events like Cleveland Guardians and Browns games, as well as to assist in active crime scenes and investigations, such as searching for suspects and documenting shootings. The department's drone policy prohibits the use of facial recognition and restricts flights to publicly accessible areas.

  • The drone program was approved for use in August 2025.
  • Police first used drones to monitor a protest outside Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne's home in November 2024, before a final policy was in place.
  • The U.S. Department of Justice approved the new drone policy in August 2025, allowing flights to resume.
  • Police have used drones at events and crime scenes since August 2025, including monitoring Cleveland Guardians and Browns games, a 'Winterland' event, and a Menorah Lighting in December.

The players

Jarod Schlacht

Deputy Chief of the Cleveland Division of Police.

Chris Ronayne

Cuyahoga County Executive.

Cleveland Community Police Commission

A civilian-led commission that heavily scrutinized the police drone policy before its final passing.

Wayne Drummond

Cleveland Public Safety Director.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.