San Francisco, CA – Today, Mayor London N. Breed, Police Chief William Scott, and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins highlighted San Francisco’s new public safety drone program that since launching is delivering results. The use of drones by the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) has already led to arrests and criminal charges, helping to continue San Francisco’s record of decade-low levels of crime.
At a briefing at Police Headquarters, Mayor Breed, Chief Scott, DA Jenkins, and representatives from SFPD shared drone footage and information about the deployment of drones under the recent approval of Proposition E. Benefits include faster response times, more precision, de-escalation, more information to formulate a plan, officer safety, avoiding unnecessary police chases, and a force multiplier during staff shortages.
Key Highlights of the SFPD Drone Usage
- SFPD has deployed six drones as part of initial deployment, with more on the way.
- SFPD has policies in place to ensure that drones are used responsibly with safeguards to protect the privacy of citizens. All drone operators have a Part 107 certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
- SFPD is integrating drones with other technologies like Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) and public safety cameras to more effectively and efficiently respond to crime.
- With these drones, SFPD has air support for the first time in 24 years.
Mayor Breed placed Proposition E on the ballot to put SFPD officers in position to better serve San Francisco by equipping police officers with access to 21st century technology and tools, in addition to changing rules to get more officers out on the street and pursue criminals. Proposition E was approved by voters in March, and the Mayor’s Office with the SFPD have been working to implement new policy changes since then.
“New technology is helping us make San Francisco safer and continue to hold people accountable when they break the law in our City,” said Mayor London Breed. “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.”
"Drones are a transformative technology for the San Francisco Police Department,” said Chief Bill Scott. “Our hard-working officers deserve all the help they can get. We now have tools to continue to make arrests in some of the city’s most challenging crimes. I want to thank Mayor London Breed and the voters of San Francisco for bringing us this valuable technology.”
Examples of Drone Usage Delivering Results
Two examples of cases highlighted by SFPD in today’s event:
- On July 26, officers responded to two suspects on dirt bikes breaking into cars around the Embarcadero. A drone was able to follow the suspects and locate their position so our officers could move in for the arrests.
- On July 27, citywide plainclothes officers identified an auto burglary crew boosting cars in the same area. With help from the drone, SFPD located the suspects, spiked their tires, placed them under arrest, and recovered all the stolen property.
In both incidents, the District Attorney was able to file criminal charges and both cases are being prosecuted and are pending before the court.
“I would like to commend the San Francisco Police Department’s use of drones to investigate crime in a responsible and meaningful way,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “The drones are capturing evidence that my office can use in the courtroom in our fight for justice for residents. In addition, the use of drones and other advanced technologies made possible since passage of Prop E send a message to those that come to San Francisco to commit crimes that they will be identified, arrested and prosecuted.”
Helping to Address Crime Citywide
These new tools have helped San Francisco continue its progress in public safety. Reported crimes remain at 10-year lows with a 35% reduction in overall property crime and a 13% reduction in violent crime year to date in 2024 compared to last year. These reductions include:
- 42% reduction in homicides
- 56% reduction in car break-ins
- 18% reduction in motor vehicles thefts
- 21% reduction in robberies
- 14% reduction in burglaries
As San Francisco continues to roll out new public safety initiatives under Proposition E, San Francisco police officers will have more tools to build on this work.
“The people of San Francisco spoke clearly in support of giving our officers the innovative tools to solve crime efficiently and prioritizing our time in the community to deter crime before it happens. These policies make San Francisco safer, period,” said Tracy McCray, President of the San Francisco Police Officers Association.
To watch Chief Scott’s announcement of the drone program with initial results, click here.
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