Mayor Eric Adams is pushing for increased aerial surveillance.
This week, he introduced a new “Drone Operations Committee” aimed at coordinating and expanding the use of drones across the city.
The committee, led by the Vice Mayor of Public Security, aims to bolster New York City’s leadership in this area, as noted in a recent press release.
The policing initiative of the NYPD involving drones has seen positive results since its 2023 launch and is on the verge of further expansion. In fact, there’s been a notable increase in arrests related to subway surfing, which have risen since a specialized unit was introduced.
“Drones are the future of public safety, and with Mayor Daughtry at the helm, New York’s new Drone Operations Committee will elevate this technology to new heights,” Adams expressed in his statement.
According to Adams, “New Yorkers need to be informed during emergencies, whether it’s a threat from terrorism, protests, or natural disasters.”
This announcement follows the successful rollout of the NYPD Technical Assistance Response Unit’s Extended Drone Program, which recently celebrated its 200th subway surfing arrest this month.
In a recent incident, four young individuals were apprehended after climbing on trains across the Westchester Avenue Bridge.
The drones are also being utilized to monitor sharks at city beaches, oversee crime scenes, and maintain surveillance at major public gatherings across five districts.
The mayor’s newly formed committee will guide the growth of the NYPD’s “Drone as a drone” project.
As Doughtry stated, “Our public safety approach relies on interagency cooperation, immediate intelligence, and the best technology available.” He added that “Drones function as force multipliers. They enable quick ground inspections, facilitate evacuations, supervise crucial infrastructure, and ensure the safety of first responders.”
