San Francisco Police Department: Reducing crime with new drone technology
The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) is now integrating drones to help reduce crime. Six safety drones have been used so far under Proposition E, a measure allowing the police department to have more access to surveillance technology, making it a ´´game changer´´ according to SFPD Chief Bill Scott.
´This is about being smarter on crime by giving our officers the tools to better do their jobs. For too long, San Francisco chose to stand in the way of this kind of progress, but now thanks to the voters, we are delivering real change and modernizing our police force,´ quotes San Francisco Mayor, London Breed. The city mayor adds that SF knows a significant decrease in crime rates thanks to these drones.
Thanks to these drones, car break-ins have been reduced by 57% compared to 2023, says Chief Scott. Scott adds that this new technology exceeded expectations and the goal now is to strive for even further results.
Steps further in fighting crime
The new drone technology usage received praise from district attorney Brooke Jenkins, as she states that SF was ´´far behind the curve´´ in surveillance technology. The attorney adds that she can now use evidence captured by drones and present it in courtroom for her justice cases.
Jenkins filed two criminal charges and they are now pending before the court, all thanks to drones. FSPD plans to expand their drones arsenal in the future.