Police Think Tank Warns AI Drones Threaten U.S. Cities

The Police Executive Research Forum issued a report titled “A Clear and Present Danger,” warning that the integration of artificial intelligence with low-cost drones creates an increasing security threat to United States cities. The report notes that foreign-made drones, particularly those from China, remain a national security concern as some enter the U.S. through rebranded products despite Federal Communications Commission bans.

New York City serves as a primary example of this challenge, reporting approximately 23,000 illegal drone flights monthly. Hundreds of drones were seized near World Cup games this summer, leading New York City Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch to identify drones as a primary security concern for the city.

To address these vulnerabilities, the United States Congress passed the Safer Skies Act in December, which grants local governments the authority to disable and take down drones that threaten public safety. In support of these new powers, the Federal Bureau of Investigation opened the National Counter-UAS Training Center in Huntsville, Alabama, to provide local officers with specialized training in drone countermeasures.