Story perspectives

LAPD's $2.1M Drone Program Sparks Surveillance Concerns

2/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Los Angeles Police Department has approved a $2.1 million donation to expand the Drone as First Responder program.
The program sends drones to 911 calls before officers arrive.
The funding will cover additional drones, docking stations, and installation costs.
Los Angeles City Council must vote to accept the donation.
Critics say the program increases surveillance, and LAPD officials counter by launching a public website to log drone deployments.

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Story summary

The Los Angeles Police Department has approved a $2.1 million donation to expand the Drone as First Responder program.
The program sends drones to 911 calls before officers arrive.
The funding will cover additional drones, docking stations, and installation costs.
Los Angeles City Council must vote to accept the donation.
Critics say the program increases surveillance, and LAPD officials counter by launching a public website to log drone deployments.