Best Law Enforcement Drones of 2022 | DSLRPros (2024)

2. DJI Matrice 300 RTK

How Can The DJI Matrice 300 RTK Help Law Enforcement?

The Pinpoint and Smart Track features are of particular relevance to law enforcement.

With the Pinpoint feature, you can quickly mark objects on the camera or map by tapping it once. Advanced sensor fusion algorithms then instantly calculate their coordinates, which are displayed as an augmented reality (AR) marker. The subject’s location is automatically transmitted to another remote controller or online platforms such as DJI FlightHub. This could be very useful in search and rescue operations.

Smart Track can help police to identify and track moving objects. So if there's a suspect on the run, either on foot or in a car, the dynamic location coordinates being sent back constantly to the operator can facilitate apprehension.

Furthermore, dual control functionality allows more than one police officer to control the drone allowing greater flexibility during critical missions. The Matrice 300 also has an Automatic Obstacle Avoidance system that enables it to detect and avoid collisions. Overall, the Matrice 300 can greatly help any police department looking for a reliable drone solution.

Unlike consumer drones, the M300 is a particularly versatile craft in part due to its ability to change payloads. The M300 has the ability to carry one, two, or even three different payloads simultaneously. What this means is that law enforcement officers are able to utilize various technologies as needed, when they would otherwise be limited to just a traditional visible camera in many other situations.

An excellent payload configuration for law enforcement is the DJI Zenmuse H20 paired with the Wingsland Z15 spotlight. The H20 has incredible optics, sporting a 23× hybrid optical zoom, 200× max zoom. If that weren't enough the payload features a separate wide angle camera and a laser rangefinder, which is used to measure the distance between the aircraft and an object. The Zenmuse Z15 spotlight is a great combination for the H20, as it provides for a large amount of illumination from above, enabling night time operations.

One of the most valuable tools in a law enforcement drone is a thermal camera. Thermal imaging technology captures heat signatures, which can be used to track down criminals in hiding or even find lost children or pets. Thermal imaging is an excellent tool to use during night. time operations, when a visible camera would be unable to provide any images. Unlike traditional night vision technology that uses light amplification, thermal imaging technology allows police officers to see through smoke, fog, and other obscurants.

As you can imagine, having a thermal camera on a police drone can be an invaluable tool in a number of different situations. This is why most of the drones featured on this list have the ability to use thermal imaging technology. What makes the M300 the best drone with thermal abilities on our list, is the variety and quality of thermal options available. The DJI H20T features all of the capabilities of the H20, but with an added fourth sensor being a high quality radiometric thermal sensor.

The FLIR Vue TZ20 is another thermal payload suitable for law enforcement use, with a very unique capability. The TZ20 stands for "Thermal Zoom, 20" which indicates its ability to provide up to a 20x thermal zoom capability with the use of two separate thermal sensors, each featuring a lens of different focal length. This allows for an extreme amount of clarity in the thermal image, even at the longest end of the zoom range. Pairing the TZ20 with the H20 is a powerful and cost effective payload combination, giving the M300 the absolute best of both thermal and visible imaging capabilities.

This strong payload combination is featured in DSLRPros' purpose built M300 Ultimate Police Drone Package.

Currently, the M300 RTK is a top-of-the-line flagship model when it comes to sheer power and flexibility. While it's not the lightest or most portable drone, it still manages to outperform its competitors. If portability and weight are among your primary concerns, you might want to consider the other models in this list.

For law enforcement agencies who do wish to take advantage of the power and flexibility of the M300 for their law enforcement operations, our team at DSLRPros has you covered. The Matrice 300 Ultimate Police Drone package includes the drone and all the accessories your team needs to conduct law enforcement operations. In addition, for a limited time only, your team will also receive one free day of training at your location for each purchase of the M300 RTK - ensuring your team makes the most of this drone from day one.

Best Law Enforcement Drones of 2022 | DSLRPros (2024)

FAQs

Best Law Enforcement Drones of 2022 | DSLRPros? ›

1. DJI M30T. Best For Police Operations: Search and rescue missions, crime scene investigations, and surveillance operations. The DJI M30T police drone is a powerful tool for law enforcement agencies looking to enhance their situational awareness and data capture abilities.

What is the best DJI drone for law enforcement? ›

1. DJI M30T. Best For Police Operations: Search and rescue missions, crime scene investigations, and surveillance operations. The DJI M30T police drone is a powerful tool for law enforcement agencies looking to enhance their situational awareness and data capture abilities.

What is the best drone for the government? ›

Government Drones

The DJI drones ideal for government use include the Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual Advanced, M30T, Matrice 300, and Phantom 4 Pro. The Phantom 4 Pro is perfect for government operations that require data collection and mapping.

What can a police drone see? ›

Drones provide an invaluable resource that can be used to search areas of ground terrain too dangerous or difficult to access on foot. They also can search large open areas more quickly than ground searchers, and thermal optics can help identify and locate heat signatures of people during both day and night operations.

What drones are used by the FBI? ›

The drones purchased by the Justice Department are what the FAA calls "small UAS," unmanned aerial vehicles that weigh up to 55 pounds. The FBI has said its unmanned aerial vehicles are used only to conduct surveillance operations on stationary subjects.

What drone does Swat use? ›

Today the drone that Resnick built for Vegas SWAT has evolved into the Lemur S and Resnick is the CEO of Brinc Drones. The Brinc Lemur S is designed to not just fly inside of structures, it can even breach them.

What is the most powerful surveillance drone? ›

MQ-9 Reaper is an unmanned aerial vehicle that has gained a reputation as the world's first hunter-killer UAV with long-range, high-altitude surveillance capabilities. When compared to others, this is larger, heavier, and way more powerful.

What is the most advanced surveillance drone? ›

MQ-9 Reaper: This is the most advanced and capable drone in the U.S. Air Force's arsenal. The MQ-9 Reaper is capable of carrying up to 3,000 pounds of weapons and can stay in the air for over 24 hours. 2. RQ-4 Global Hawk: This is one of the largest and most advanced surveillance drones in the world.

Did the US government ban DJI drones? ›

However, DJI is now considered a national security threat by the Department of Defense and many U.S. lawmakers. Recently, the U.S. federal government banned the purchase of Chinese drones within the federal sector.

What drone do Navy Seals use? ›

Scan Eagle - National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum.

What is the strongest drone ever? ›

The General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper is the world's first hunter-killer drone designed and built specifically for long-endurance, high-altitude surveillance. It may not be the largest drone ever built but it is one of the most lethal.

Who has the best military drones in the world? ›

1. Northrop Grumman: Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company that provides military drones and unmanned systems for a variety of applications. They offer the RQ-4 Global Hawk, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for long-range surveillance and reconnaissance missions. 2.

How far can a police drone go? ›

What Is The Range Of A Police Drone? Drones are typically able to fly within a range of about one mile, but this depends on the drone model and its purpose. For example, a drone designed for surveillance will have a smaller range than one designed for photography.

How high can a police drone fly? ›

What to Know Before Using Drones. FAA Rules and Regulations – Without a special waiver, current FAA regulations only allow drones to be flown during daylight hours, no higher than 400 feet and no faster than 100 miles per hour. Additionally, the aircraft must remain in the visual line of sight of the remote operator.

Can drones be tracked by police? ›

Drones operating on RF communication can be tracked using RF sensors, while others that are GPS Pre-Programmed to a way point can be tracked using Radar detection. Visual detection technology like Pan, Tilt and Zoom (PTZ) Cameras can be used to get visuals on the detected drone, and confirm a drone threat.

What drones do private investigators use? ›

Drone & aerial surveillance offers a private investigator a cheaper alternative to other forms of aerial surveillance like chartering a plane or helicopter. Private Investigators can use drone & aerial surveillance to locate the property that may be hidden from view by being a person's backyard.

How do you tell if feds are following you? ›

When the feds decided to target you for an investigation involving federal contracts, they are common signs to watch out for ( see below). The most common signs of being under investigation include talking to your friends, employees acting abnormally, and even an investigator leaving a business card on your door.

How much does a police drone cost? ›

At under $2000 fully equipped (including a daylight readable live-view screen), the DJI Air 2S with Smart Controller is affordable enough to issue as standard equipment for each squad that needs a police drone.

How many police departments have drones? ›

According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit that advocates for digital privacy and monitors the expansion of technologies used by law enforcement, about 1,202 law enforcement agencies across the country have employed drones in their arsenals.

What to do if a police drone is spying on you? ›

If you feel a drone is spying on you, you should call the police or report it to the FAA. The appropriate authority to deal with cases of a spying drone is the local police force that deals with complaints of stalking or peeping toms. You may call in the FAA if the drone is being operated illegally or in an unsafe way.

What drones do the Marines fly? ›

The Marine Corps has MQ-9 Reapers, large uncrewed aircraft designed primarily for intelligence-gathering.

What is the US most lethal drone? ›

The General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper (sometimes called Predator B) is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of remotely controlled or autonomous flight operations, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) primarily for the United States Air Force (USAF).

What is the best known weaponized drone? ›

Military Drones

The most famous military drone of all is the Predator or MQ-9 Reaper drone developed by the United States government.

What is the longest lasting drone? ›

Best Commercial Drones with the Longest Flight Time
  • HYBRiX 2.1. 4 hours.
  • US-1 Drone by Impossible Aerospace. 1.5 hours.
  • DJI Matrice 300. 55 minutes. ...
  • Parrot Disco FPV. 45 minutes.
  • Autel Evo II. 40 minutes.
  • DJI Mavic 2. 31 minutes. ...
  • Under 500 - DJI Mini 2. 31 minutes.
  • Under 300 – DJI Mini SE. 30 minutes.

How far can surveillance drones see? ›

Drone cameras can view 1,500–2,000 feet during the day. It can see 165 feet in total black and 330 feet in broad moonlight (that is, with no clouds). Finally, pick a drone that can cover a decent distance without losing video or picture connection.

What happens if DJI drones are banned? ›

That ban subsequently forced state lawmakers to provide $25 million to police departments deprived of their DJI drones to procure new, more expensive, and often less effective options produced by domestic and foreign (just non-Chinese) manufacturers.

Why is DJI getting banned? ›

“The possibility that DJI drones could be equipped to send live imagery of military installations, critical infrastructure, and the personal lives of American citizens to China poses too great a threat. Allowing this practice to continue in the US is playing with fire.

Where can you legally fly a drone in the US? ›

You must fly your drone at or below 400 feet in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace. 4. You need to have authorization using LAANC or DroneZone before flying at or below FAA-authorized altitudes in Class B, C, D, and E controlled airspace.

What are military ghost drones? ›

The Phoenix Ghost is a small aerial loitering munition (explosive drone) designed by American company Aevex Aerospace. According to a senior US defense official, it is broadly similar to the AeroVironment Switchblade.

Does the US have combat drones? ›

The MQ-9 Reaper drone is a remotely operated aircraft used by the U.S. military overseas that has also been adapted for other purposes inside America's borders. The U.S. Air Force describes the Reaper as primarily an "intelligence-collection asset," but it can also be armed with Hellfire missiles.

Does US have submarine drones? ›

The U.S. Navy is finally adding underwater drones to its fleet of nuclear attack submarines. A new version of the Navy's Razorback unmanned undersea vehicle (UUV) will have the capability to both launch and be recovered via torpedo tubes, allowing any submarine in the fleet to operate them on patrol.

What drone can lift 500 lbs? ›

Designed with an 8-propeller, the Griff Aviation 300 is the heaviest lift drone that can carry a payload weight of approximately 500 pounds (226 kg) and sustain 31 minutes of flight time.

What country has the most advanced drones? ›

China's domination of the global market for combat drones over the past decade is partly due to a vast state-funded effort that seeks to elevate the country's armed forces to “world class standards”.

Which company drone is best? ›

DJI is a global leader in drone manufacturing and has a significant presence in India. They provide drone solutions for various industries such as agriculture, construction, and surveying.

What is the fastest military drone in service? ›

The fastest military drone is the Lockheed SR-72, with a wingspan of 17 meters. The Lockheed SR-72 is a cover reconnaissance plane capable of traveling at 1,350 mph.

Who are the leaders in military drone technology? ›

Top 5 Military Drone Manufacturers in Global Market 2022
  • Lockheed Martin. Website: www.lockheedmartin.com. ...
  • Boeing. Website: www.boeing.com. ...
  • Northrop Grumman. Website: www.northropgrumman.com. ...
  • Thales. Website: www.thalesgroup.com. ...
  • Elbit Systems. Website: www.elbitsystems.com.

What is the highest range military drone? ›

NATO type 10,000 ft (3,000 m) altitude, up to 50 km range. Tactical 18,000 ft (5,500 m) altitude, about 160 km range. MALE (medium altitude, long endurance) up to 30,000 ft (9,000 m) and range over 200 km.

Can police drones fly in rain? ›

Generally, it's not recommended to fly drones in rain, mist, high humidity, or over water bodies with strong winds. Many drones have venting holes that can expose the electronics inside to moisture. Once water gets inside, short circuits can occur and possibly damage your drone.

How far can a police drone see at night? ›

A typical drone can see up to 165 feet (50 meters) away at night. After this distance, the drone camera will only see blurred figures that aren't discernible. Unless your drone camera is equipped with night vision, it can only see objects at night if they're well lit.

Can police use drones for speeding? ›

That person is known as a wheel witness. So, police typically cannot use drone footage or videos someone sends to issue a traffic ticket because they lack the human-wheel witness required. That does not mean a court will rule out all camera footage. Many police cars now carry dashcams.

How long can a police drone stay up? ›

How long can police drones fly? A typical police drone can stay in the air for 10 to 30 minutes, while high-end police drones can fly for even an hour or more.

Can police use drones to spy? ›

What Can Police Drones Detect? Police drones can be used to detect illegal activities, such as drug distribution and weapons trafficking, as well as to track down missing persons and suspects in criminal cases. Drones can also be used for surveillance, to keep an eye on things like protests or natural disasters.

What can police drones see at night? ›

Yes, police drones can see in your house at night. Police drones have infrared cameras and thermal imaging capabilities that allow them to see through walls and windows. They are able to do this through a process called Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR).

Do police drones have facial recognition? ›

Drones can also be equipped with biometric surveillance capabilities like facial recognition, gait recognition, emotion recognition, or behavior detection — and even when the data is inaccurate, law enforcement may rely on it to arrest people. They can be outfitted to detect objects, including license plates.

What drones do first responders use? ›

Recommended Systems for First Responders:
  • DJI M200 SERIES. Built to endure. ...
  • DJI MATRICE 600 PRO. ...
  • DJI MATRICE 100. ...
  • ELISTAIR POWER TETHER SYSTEM: LIGH-T. ...
  • ELISTAIR POWER TETHER SYSTEM: SAFE-T. ...
  • DJI INSPIRE 1 v2.0. ...
  • VIPER FLIR AERIAL FIRST RESPONDER BASIC KIT. ...
  • VIPER FLIR AERIAL FIRST RESPONDER ADVANCED KIT.

Which DJI drone is best for inspection? ›

DJI M300 RTK

The M300 RTK is DJI's most versatile commercial drone. It is ideal for roof inspections because it can carry a range of payloads, including top-class visual/zoom and thermal cameras, spotlights, and mapping cameras like the P1 for photogrammetry, and the L1 for LiDAR and photogrammetry.

How high can law enforcement drones fly? ›

How high do police drones fly? The maximum altitude and drone altitude limits of police drones are influenced by their size and capabilities. Their rated operating altitude can range from 1,200 feet above the ground to a flight level of more than 22,000 feet, and their service ceiling can range from 50 to 60,000 feet.

What is the best drone for emergency services? ›

Which are the Best Drone for Search and Rescue?
  • DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise: (Best Drone for Search and Rescue)
  • Parrot Anafi Thermal: (Best Powerful Drone for Search and Rescue)
  • Autel Evo II Dual: (Expert Drone for Search and Rescue)
  • DJI Inspire 2: (Best Drone for Searching People)
Sep 12, 2022

What drone does Border Patrol use? ›

The remotely-piloted Predator B allows AMO personnel to safely conduct missions in areas that are difficult to access or otherwise too high-risk for manned aircraft or CBP ground personnel.

What is a military grade drone? ›

Military-Grade Unmanned Systems. Military-grade drones and tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) include helicopter drones, sUAS, RPAS (remotely piloted aerial systems), for ISR (Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) and ISTAR (intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance) missions.

Can police use drones to watch you? ›

Yes, police can use drones without a warrant. Police have been using drones for years, and they don't need to get a warrant to do so. The Fourth Amendment protects people against unreasonable searches and seizures, but courts have ruled that aerial surveillance does not violate those protections.

Can police detect drones? ›

Drones operating on RF communication can be tracked using RF sensors, while others that are GPS Pre-Programmed to a way point can be tracked using Radar detection. Visual detection technology like Pan, Tilt and Zoom (PTZ) Cameras can be used to get visuals on the detected drone, and confirm a drone threat.

What type of drones are used in crime scene investigation? ›

Law enforcement agencies working with Axon for evidence management and flying Skydio drones have the ability to automatically upload photos and video to Axon Evidence.

Is there anything better than DJI? ›

01 Parrot ANAFI

For individuals who enjoy traveling and prefer lightweight drones that can fit into your carry-on, the Parrot ANAFI is the ideal compact folding DJI substitute. With its 180-degree swivel camera, it can take your images in 21 MP and films in 4K.

What drone is used most often in inspection? ›

Thermal drones are often used to inspect solar panels. As the drone flies over the solar panels, it is able to take a wide image of the surface, and very easily detect thermal anomalies which signal an issue.

Which DJI drone has the longest range? ›

Long Range Drone FAQ

With up to 15 km transmission distance and 48 minutes of flight time, Mavic 3 is the longest-range DJI drone currently available.

How far can a police drone see? ›

So you probably want to know exactly how far away a drone camera can see. What is this? A high-quality drone camera can see 1,500-2,000 feet away during the day. At night, drone cameras can pick up an image about 165 feet away before it becomes blurry.

What are the new drone laws for 2023? ›

All drone operators required to register their UAS must operate their aircraft in accordance with the final rule on remote ID beginning September 16, 2023, which gives drone owners sufficient time to upgrade their aircraft.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Cheryll Lueilwitz

Last Updated:

Views: 5849

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (54 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Cheryll Lueilwitz

Birthday: 1997-12-23

Address: 4653 O'Kon Hill, Lake Juanstad, AR 65469

Phone: +494124489301

Job: Marketing Representative

Hobby: Reading, Ice skating, Foraging, BASE jumping, Hiking, Skateboarding, Kayaking

Introduction: My name is Cheryll Lueilwitz, I am a sparkling, clean, super, lucky, joyous, outstanding, lucky person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.