Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (drones)

Unmanned Aerial Systems

Skyfront Perimeter 8

The Perimeter 8 UAV features an impressive 22 lb. payload capacity with 1 hour of endurance and a no-payload endurance of over 6 hours. 

 Skydio X2

The Skydio X2 is a ruggedized, portable airframe that is ready for any mission. Has the best object avoidance in the industry, with six 4k cameras surrounding the UAS.

Skydio X10

The Skydio X10 is a state-of-the-art unmanned aerial system (UAS) tailored for public safety and law enforcement missions, including its role in the "Drone as a First Responder" (DFR) program. Equipped with advanced AI-driven obstacle avoidance, high-resolution optical and thermal imaging, and real-time video streaming, the X10 provides reliable operational support in complex environments. With a 40-minute flight endurance, weather resistance, and rapid deployment capabilities, the Skydio X10 enhances situational awareness and empowers first responders to make informed, timely decisions during critical operations, making it a vital asset in DFR deployments.

Brinc Lemur S

A new kind of robot. A ruggedized and durable composition combined with an easy-to-use payload bay allows the LEMUR to fly indoors, break glass, scale stairs, conduct two-way communications with a suspect, and flip over after crashes.

The Skyranger R70

It is a cutting-edge unmanned aircraft system (UAS) designed specifically for public safety applications. This drone is equipped with advanced features and technology and provides a reliable and efficient tool for law enforcement. With its long flight (1 hour) endurance, high-resolution cameras, and real-time video streaming capabilities, the Skyranger R70 enhances situational awareness and aids in critical decision-making during public safety operations.

Drone Flight History Maps

To ensure transparency to the public, LVMPD uses drone software to track all drone flights conducted by the department. It's important to note that the drone flight database and the drone dashboard database operate independently, although they are not fully automated. Both systems require data entry to some extent. Every effort is made to provide timely updates and accurate reports regarding all drone flight data. While the provided data is regularly checked for accuracy, there may be instances where it differs from the actual flight data.

In adherence to privacy standards, LVMPD strictly follows policies that prohibit drone operators from intentionally capturing or transmitting images of any location where individuals would reasonably expect privacy, unless authorized by a warrant issued by a judge or in emergency situations.

As part of an ongoing initiative, LVMPD has partnered with a third-party service to provide comprehensive information about flights conducted by LVMPD drones. Please note that flights that are covert or part of ongoing investigations will not be displayed for security reasons.

Recent Flight Data

Project Blue Sky, Phase 1: Drones as a First Responder (DFR)

The Drones as First Responder (DFR) is an innovative policing approach that enhances the safety of officers and the community, while also reducing police response times. By deploying DFR, incidents can be observed before emergency personnel arrive, providing valuable insights. DFR goes beyond traditional air support by enabling a trained LVMPD drone pilot to reach the scene first, often minutes before officers face potential danger. Equipped with a high-definition camera, the drone transmits live video footage to the DFR command vehicle. A skilled pilot remotely controls the drone and communicates with field units, providing crucial information and tactical intelligence about the situation they are responding to.

Watch the introductory news conference regarding DFR from April 18, 2024.

The Mobile DFR (Drones as a First Responder) program is a cutting-edge initiative designed to enhance public safety and support our officers in the field. Utilizing the advanced Skydio X10 drone, this program integrates high-tech drones into specially marked patrol vehicles to respond swiftly to high-priority calls such as foot pursuits and violent crimes in progress.

Each Mobile DFR unit consists of two officers, or an officer paired with an LVMPD drone pilot and a deployable drone. Similar to a traditional K9 unit that deploys trained dogs, the Mobile DFR program deploys drones to provide real-time overwatch and situational awareness from the sky, offering critical support to officers on the ground during high-priority incidents.

LVMPD is committed to ensuring that the use of this technology respects privacy, civil rights, and community transparency. This innovative approach reflects our dedication to leveraging technology for the safety and trust of our community.

Project Blue Sky, Phase 2: Remote Pilot Drone as a First Responder

Watch the news conference from Sept. 10, 2025

In October 2024, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department launched Project Blue Sky, a forward-thinking initiative that integrates drone technology directly into law enforcement operations. The first phase of the program, known as the Mobile Drone as a First Responder (Mobile DFR), placed advanced drones in specially equipped patrol vehicles. Officers responding to calls for service could launch drones directly from the field, providing immediate aerial support during critical incidents. In just eight months, Mobile DFR units flew more than 1,100 missions. Drone pilots located suspects in 169 incidents, and intelligence gathered from these missions directly contributed to 386 arrests.

Building on this success, LVMPD is now implementing the second phase: the Remote Drone as a First Responder program. Instead of deploying drones solely from patrol cars, this phase uses “Skyports” — docking stations installed on police and fire stations across the valley. Each Skyport houses a hive of three drones, with one available to launch while the others charge and download mission data. If a drone’s battery runs low, another drone can launch immediately, ensuring continuous coverage without downtime. While launches are automated, every flight is actively piloted by trained LVMPD drone operators from a centralized command location. This allows drones to respond within seconds of a call for service, dramatically improving response times and officer safety.

As of 2025, LVMPD operates a fleet of 75 drones, including the flagship Docked Skydio X-10 model. These drones remain climate-controlled, fully charged, and mission-ready, and are equipped with built-in safety features such as parachutes in the event of an unplanned landing. Anyone who attempts to damage a police drone is subject to the same penalties as damaging a police vehicle.

The success of Project Blue Sky is made possible by a dedicated team of LVMPD drone pilots, comprised of both commissioned officers and civilian specialists. Representing the first generation of police aviators in the United States, these pilots undergo state-certified training, advanced simulations, and rigorous mission standards before they are cleared to operate drones in the field.

Central to this program is a commitment to protecting the rights of the community. Every flight is logged, audited, and tied to an active incident. Strict policies ensure that privacy and civil liberties remain protected at all times. LVMPD has also been granted special Certificates of Authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration, allowing drones to operate beyond the visual line of sight — a designation not available to the public.

Funded primarily through public-private partnerships and contributions from community donors, Project Blue Sky demonstrates how innovation and collaboration can save lives, protect officers, and maximize taxpayer value. What began as a vision for the future of policing is now a reality in Las Vegas, as LVMPD builds one of the most advanced drone response networks in the nation.

Project Blue Sky, Phase 3: County-wide Aerial Response System

Building on the success of Project Blue Sky Phases 1 and 2, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has entered Phase 3 of the program—transitioning from drone deployment to a fully integrated, county-wide aerial response system supporting police, fire, emergency medical response, and community safety.

Phase 3 represents the difference between simply having drones and operating a 24/7 aerial response infrastructure capable of responding within seconds to calls for service across Clark County.

Central to this expansion is the newly opened Drone Operations Center, now fully operational around the clock. Remote drone operations are embedded within LVMPD’s Fusion Watch, an elite unit designed to leverage advanced technologies to combat crime and terrorism. From this centralized location, trained LVMPD drone pilots remotely operate docked drones deployed throughout the valley.

As part of Phase 3, LVMPD has established county-wide Skyports, described as gateways to the sky, installed at police and fire facilities. There are currently 12 Skyport locations, many built in the same configuration as the Skyport at Metro Police Headquarters, each housing three docked drones. These climate-controlled units keep drones fully charged while continuously uploading video and mission data. The system allows for seamless operations: if one drone’s battery runs low while responding to a 9-1-1 call, another drone can immediately launch to continue coverage without interruption.

Even before the permanent Skyport infrastructure, LVMPD flew more than 10,000 drone missions in 2025, the highest annual mission volume of any public agency in the nation. These flights were not training exercises, they were active responses to calls for service, providing real-time intelligence to officers and directly assisting the community. With additional Skyports now operational, LVMPD is averaging approximately 1,700 flights per month and expects to double that pace, with projections of up to 20,000 yearly missions in 2026.

The docked drone fleet is equipped with advanced safety and operational features, including AI-based collision avoidance, thermal imaging, and parachutes designed to deploy in the event of an unplanned landing.

Protecting privacy and civil liberties remains foundational to the program. Every flight is tied to a legitimate public safety response and is logged, deconflicted, audited, and governed by strict, policy-driven data controls.

Phase 3 of Project Blue Sky is about faster response when seconds matter, better decision-making through real-time intelligence, and enhanced safety for officers and the community. What began as an innovative concept has evolved into one of the most advanced, county-wide aerial response systems in the nation.

Watch the news conference from Jan. 7, 2026