ADDING AI TO MISSIONS
Artificial intelligence (AI) seems to be everywhere these days, and for good reason. “AI can speed up air-based law enforcement and reduce costs,” said Sifuentes. “For example, AI does a tremendous job in face/car identification and classification.”
So, how far has AI made its way into airborne law enforcement? On this point, opinions differ.
“We have not seen a significant contribution at this point,” Smith said. “However, part of Robinson’s manned/unmanned system uses artificial intelligence to assist in target identification and the management of small drone swarms after they are deployed from a helicopter.
Over at Leonardo Helicopters, the company is using AI to support practical, pilot-centric automation.” It’s not flashy autonomy, but systems that reduce workload, improve safety, and make single-pilot operations more manageable,” said Bucari. “For law enforcement crews, that translates directly
into better mission effectiveness and lower risk in high-tempo environments. The automation on the flight side complements this by freeing up cognitive bandwidth. The pilot isn’t fighting the aircraft while simultaneously trying to support a complex mission.”
Of course, pilots need to be properly trained to use automation to its full potential. “Such training is essential to avoid introducing new safety risks, such as over-reliance on automated functions, which can lead to
distraction, underestimation, and other unintended behaviors during flight,” Bucari said.
AI is also finding its way into law enforcement drones. “Many new DJI drones feature intelligent capabilities that ensure the safety of the aircraft, pilot, and surrounding environment by providing enhanced situational awareness of terrain obstacles and warnings of approaching crewed aircraft, to name a few,” said Baker. “Likewise, our drones can be programmed for automated missions. However, they do not fly autonomously as a pilot is still required to manage the flight routes and can take control of the aircraft instantly to avoid incidents.”
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May/June 2026
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