San Francisco auto thefts decline 56% with the help of drones

Synopsis

Facing a wave of auto theft crimes, the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) needed a smarter, safer way to tackle these incidents without jeopardizing public or officer safety.

Today, SFPD utilizes autonomous drones in a Drone as First Responder model to monitor suspects from above, providing real-time video feeds to officers on the ground. This approach enables officers to strategically intercept suspects without the risks of high-speed pursuits. The X10’s advanced AI capabilities allow it to navigate San Francisco’s dense urban environment, giving law enforcement unmatched situational awareness.

The impact has been transformative: SFPD reduced auto thefts by 56% July 2023 to July 2024, with increasing help from a DFR program that enhances safety, efficiency, and outcomes for the community and officers alike.