He’s keeping an eye on Gotham.
Mayor Adams is utilizing drone footage from the NYPD to assess situations promptly in critical emergencies, officials shared with the Post.
“I can send him a link to view it at his request, and he can see what’s happening on the ground live,” explained Kazu Daughtry, Deputy Public Safety Mayor, noting that Adams is the first NYC mayor with this access.
“Keep in mind, he has a background in law enforcement. He prefers real-time updates rather than relying on phone calls,” Daughtry added.
During a shooting incident at 345 Park Avenue, which involved a 27-year-old assailant named Shane Tamura, Adams witnessed the unfolding chaos as Tamura, armed with an AR-15-style rifle, tragically took four lives before ending his own. Daughtry said Adams wasted no time getting to the scene once he grasped the severity of the situation.
“I was in touch with him multiple times throughout the event,” Daughtry said.
Daughtry discussed the necessity for swift resource deployment, mentioning an “aggressive shooter situation” that required immediate attention. “We rolled out drones right away to assist,” he noted.
While watching from his vehicle, Adams observed individuals exiting the building, hands raised. He expressed disbelief, saying, “I can’t believe this is happening in our city,” according to Daughtry.
Adams had also monitored a separate rescue operation in April when a helicopter with Spanish tourists crashed into the Hudson River. He quickly inquired about the status of those involved and requested the drone feed.
As he witnessed rescue efforts live, he learned that victims were being retrieved from the water and saw CPR attempts in action. Daughtry recounted telling Adams about the dire condition of the victims.
“If he wants to see the drone feed, he can make decisions directly from his car,” Daughtry explained. “This isn’t just for any incident; it’s essential for significant situations that require real-time responses.”
Daughtry has been a strong advocate for the NYPD’s drone program since it launched in 2019, which utilizes unmanned aerial vehicles for everything from crime-fighting to disaster response. The department operates around 100 drones and has an equal number of officers trained by the FAA to pilot them.
In 2024, the NYPD began its Drone First Responder program, deploying drones to get an overview of scenes during 911 calls and enhance situational awareness for law enforcement.
Drones also assist in locating and rescuing swimmers in distress at local beaches, alongside the FDNY, as well as monitoring illegal activities like subway surfing.
However, some civil libertarians have voiced concerns, arguing that the use of surveillance technology infringes on privacy rights.
“Drones are force multipliers; they provide real-time insights,” Daughtry mentioned. “People may claim they’re ineffective, but we’ve seen their value here.”
The Adams administration highlighted a significant reduction in shootings and injuries in the city, attributing this to strategies aimed at reducing gun access, targeting gangs, and implementing precision policing techniques.
“As technology progresses, we’re adapting accordingly,” Adams stated. “Drones have become integral in our crime-fighting efforts, allowing senior leadership to have camera access during emergencies and large events, enhancing community safety and response effectiveness.”
