RoboCop 2.0? Your next traffic challan might be issued by an AI drone

Imagine that at your next traffic stop, you get pulled over by an AI-powered drone, which then issues a traffic challan to you. Well, if you’re in the US, you don’t need to imagine this. Several police departments across major cities US are now trying to outsource their job to AI-powered drones.

Instead of patrolling in cop cars or chasing criminals on foot, some police departments have decided it is far better to use drones, that too ones which are powered by Artificial Intelligence, to chase down suspects, scan crime scenes, record evidence, and even help out in medical emergencies like stopping drug overdoses. Welcome to 2025, where RoboCop has gone airborne.

Now, while the Indian Police force isn't using drones this actively, we have seen traffic police across cities use AI to issue challans. Naturally, then, assuming that someone, somewhere in some police department, isn't seeing this and thinking of getting drones to police the streets, wouldn't be far-fetched.

When cops can’t, drones can

Police and sheriff’s offices everywhere are short-staffed, overworked, and under pressure to keep crime down. Enter, the drones. They’re cheaper than helicopters, don’t need coffee breaks, and never call in sick. According to Police1.com, over 1,500 departments were using them by the end of 2024. That’s up 150% since 2018. Miami, Cleveland, Columbus, and Charlotte have already joined the club, with more lining up their drone fleets like it’s Black Friday at Best Buy.

From missing people to parking violations

These drones don’t just hover around for fun; they do everything from tracking stolen cars to reconstructing accident scenes. Some even respond to 911 calls, flying off like mini superheroes with cameras, sensors, and sometimes, Narcan. Albuquerque’s police say drones have helped cut car thefts dramatically. FAA-approved and all, they can fly beyond line of sight, which is fancy talk for “we trust this bot more than Todd in the patrol car.”

Cool tech or creepy spy?

Here’s where it gets tricky. The most common type of drones that the police in most US cities are using, come with machines which can measure your heartbeat, heart rate and breathing from 500 metres away. Sounds impressive, but privacy experts are not amused. The Electronic Frontier Foundation says nobody really knows what’s happening to all the data these drones collect.

The ACLU, US leading civil rights group, is already suing Sonoma County for allegedly flying drones over homes and peeking through windows without warrants. Turns out, “eye in the sky” isn’t just a phrase anymore, it’s your neighbour’s local police department.

The takeaway

AI drones are turning policing into a sci-fi movie, one where the heroes have propellers. They’re fast, smart, and tireless, but if we’re not careful, they might also be the nosiest thing since your WhatsApp family group.