The Threat of Drones and Police Preparedness: A Mixed-Methods Study

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) present a rapidly evolving challenge with significant implications for law enforcement, such as the use of drones by terrorist and criminal actors. Yet, little empirical work has examined how law enforcement officers perceive or prepare for this threat. Through a nationwide survey of 293 law enforcement officers, this mixed-methods study examines officers’ perceptions of drone-related threats, awareness of legal boundaries to response, and organizational preparedness. Qualitatively, approximately two-thirds of respondents characterized the threat to their jurisdiction as moderate or high, highlighting threats to critical infrastructure and potential mass-casualty attacks. Quantitative analyses show the important impact of training, and that officers in local and county agencies report less confidence than federal officers regarding legal authority and responsibility.