Expert Viewpoints: The Evolving Integration of Drones in Global Law Enforcement

By: Dawn Zoldi

The integration of drones into law enforcement globally has moved from experimental pilot programs to essential components of modern policing. At the Government Business Executive Forum (GBEF)EDGE 25 Security Summit, leading experts from the United States and Europe gathered to discuss the current landscape, operational challenges and future prospects for UAS in public safety. The panel, moderated by David ‘DJ’ Smith, formerly of the Virginia State Police, featured Mauro Lopez, Special Operations Supervisor at US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Tom de Cocq van Delwijnen, Seconded Netherlands Police, Senior Strategic Advisor at INTERPOL Innovation Centre Senior. Their discussion provided a candid, nuanced view of how drones continue to impact law enforcement operations, policy and international collaboration.

Drones have become a force multiplier by enhancing surveillance, search and rescue (SAR), crowd monitoring and evidence collection while reducing risk to personnel. Smith highlighted, “Drones have resulted in better operational efficiency, providing actionable intelligence by streaming into the command post, so we can actually make better decisions in real time.” This real-time situational awareness has proven particularly valuable during traffic reconstruction, natural disaster recovery and tactical operations, where time and information remain critical.

CBP’s Lopez described how drones have bolstered border security. “For the U.S. Border Patrol, the integration of drones in our operations have really transformed the way in which we approach national security, intelligence gathering, surveillance and even humanitarian efforts,” he explained. Drones offer rapid deployment capabilities in the vast, challenging environments along the US southern and northern borders. They enable agents to conduct proactive operations, respond quickly to emerging threats and operate in areas that are otherwise inaccessible or too dangerous for manned aircraft.

One of the most significant advantages of UAS is the ability to scout and assess situations before committing personnel. Lopez noted, “Whenever there is an alert of a suspected illegal entrant or a potential threat in any area of the border, an agent is required to go and assess that situation. With the drone, we can set the drone out there, scout the area and either assess that it’s a false alarm—maybe an animal or a civilian hiker—or it’s a threat.” This capability not only saves valuable time but also enhances agent safety, particularly in remote areas where backup may not be immediately available if an encounter takes a bad turn.Your Attractive Heading

Drones have proven indispensable in humanitarian missions as well. CBP supports thousands of SAR operations annually. According to Lopez, besides helping to locate lost persons, drones also provide critical intelligence about the condition and demographics of these individuals so officers know if they are in distress. “That information has been so valuable to our emergency medical personnel, who can then bring the proper equipment, such as an epi-pen, for those insertion operations,” Lopez said. These targeted responses save lives.

Law enforcement agencies have long grappled with the high costs of aviation assets. Drones, while not a replacement for helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft in all scenarios, offer a cost-effective alternative for many missions. As Lopez pointed out, “There are areas in the border environment that are too dangerous even for a helicopter, which are larger and have people on board.” In contrast, drones can access narrow canyons, rugged terrain and urban environments where traditional aircraft cannot safely operate.

The fiscal impact of drone programs also should not be lost on agency leaders. Smith observed, “The cost per hour for a fixed wing or helicopter is pretty expensive. Even if you have to cover the identical area by deploying multiple drones, the cost is not prohibitive.”

However, as Smith aptly put it: “UAS is a two-sided coin.” While drones offer unprecedented capabilities for public safety, they also introduce new risks that require coordinated, agile responses from law enforcement, regulators and industry.

Specifically, criminals and hostile actors exploit drones for illicit surveillance, contraband delivery and kinetic attacks on critical infrastructure. Counter-UAS capabilities—such as signal disruption, biometric tracking and AI-powered threat detection—while vital, face significant legal, technical and jurisdictional hurdles.

Lopez described a growing challenge he and his colleagues face at the US border. “We are getting our drones jammed by cartels. In fact, it’s becoming so common that there is a multiple agency movement, overseen by the FAA, to install sensors along the border, to detect this jamming equipment so that we can have an opportunity to do something about it,” he said. The cat-and-mouse dynamic between law enforcement and adversaries continues to drive innovation on both sides, with channel-hopping and advanced communications technologies becoming increasingly essential tools for both.

Tom de Cocq van Delwijnen added an international perspective. He noted that the ability to “take full control of drones in some locations” is a significant technological development, particularly for securing high-profile events. However, he cautioned that this capability is also a “very big threat,” as it could also be exploited by malicious actors.

The global nature of UAS technology necessitates cross-border collaboration and harmonization of standards. De Cocq van Delwijnen described the importance of events and exercises that bring together law enforcement, industry and academia to share best practices and test new solutions in real-world scenarios. “We organize in-person events in several locations through our drone expert group, established ten years ago,” he said.

Despite these efforts, regulatory fragmentation remains a major obstacle. De Cocq van Delwijnen explained that, from an INTERPOL perspective, “We don’t have the power to share knowledge or developments, but can do it by invitation and then share this knowledge in secure environments.” The lack of harmonized standards further complicates cross-border operations and intelligence sharing, which makes it difficult to address threats that do not respect national boundaries.

Miniaturization of sensors, improved battery life and autonomous flight capabilities rank high among the most promising advancements in drone technology, in the eyes of these experts. Smith highlighted the impact of the Drone as First Responder (DFR) program in Chula Vista, California, calling it a “game changer for everybody.” The DFR model, which deploys drones to incident scenes ahead of ground units, has gained traction worldwide. De Cocq van Delwijnen said the Netherlands Police have recently started a DFR program.

As for what’s still required for public safety, Lopez emphasized the need for a “common operating picture” (COP) across agencies and platforms. “We probably have over a dozen different platforms with different vendors. There is no COP across all of them,” he said. He also noted his team continues to innovate and test. Finally, he recommended streamlining regulatory approvals and standardizing equipment to help scale drone programs and maximize their impact.

De Cocq van Delwijnen envisioned a future where drones are seamlessly integrated with other robotic systems, such as robotic dogs, to enhance situational awareness and safety. His group has already successfully tested using a robotic dog with a drone at the Port of Rotterdam and one of the biggest highways in Europe.

As drones continue to impact law enforcement operations around the world, advanced technology providers provide a vital service. Carahsoft, a leading IT solutions provider for public safety agencies, plays a crucial part in supporting law enforcement’s mission by offering a comprehensive portfolio of cutting-edge technologies tailored to enhance operational effectiveness, intelligence gathering and investigative capabilities.

Carahsoft’s law enforcement portfolio spans a broad spectrum of software and hardware solutions designed to address the complex challenges faced by agencies at the federal, state and local levels. These solutions include digital forensics, intelligence management, secure information sharing and advanced data analytics tools that complement drone deployments by providing actionable insights and facilitating real-time decision-making. By integrating these technologies with drone operations, agencies can amplify their situational awareness, streamline evidence collection and improve response times in critical incidents.

One of Carahsoft’s key contributions is its emphasis on interoperability and collaboration across jurisdictions and agencies. Through interactive, self-guided technology tours and demos, Carahsoft enables law enforcement professionals to explore and assess innovative solutions that align with their mission objectives. These resources help agencies evaluate technologies that support file management, evidence analysis, data reporting and intelligence sharing, essential capabilities to maximize the impact of drones in operational environments.

Carahsoft’s commitment to fostering partnerships with industry leaders and hosting events such as technology forums and innovation summits facilitates knowledge exchange and accelerates the adoption of emerging tools. This collaborative approach mirrors the international cooperation highlighted by experts at the GBEF EDGE Security Summit.

By leveraging Carahsoft’s extensive technology ecosystem, law enforcement agencies can better navigate the regulatory complexities and technical challenges of UAS integration. This support enhances agencies’ ability to deploy drones effectively for border security, tactical operations, search and rescue and counter-drone measures—all while maintaining transparency, safeguarding privacy and ensuring public trust. 

The integration of drones into law enforcement remains a dynamic, ongoing process informed by technological innovation, operational necessity and complex policy challenges. The insights shared at the GBEF EDGE Security Summit 2025 underscore the importance of collaboration, adaptability and forward-thinking leadership in navigating this landscape. 

As agencies continue to refine their strategies and embrace new technologies, Carahsoft’s law enforcement line of effort complements the evolving use of drones by providing the technological backbone necessary for modern policing. For those in the worldwide law enforcement community, the ultimate goal remains clear: enhance public safety, protect communities and stay one step ahead of emerging threats.