Drone as First Responder Programs Lead Public Safety Technology Investment Plans, Report Details
A Haivision survey found 45% of respondents plan to invest in drone programs for initial emergency response.
- By Chelsey Arries
- Oct 23, 2026
Nearly half (45%) of public safety professionals surveyed by Haivision plan to invest in drone programs for initial emergency response within the next 12 months, putting those programs ahead of other technology spending priorities.
The company’s Public Safety Technology Report drew on responses from more than 100 professionals in policing, firefighting, emergency management, emergency communications and related fields. The report assessed the role of AI-powered video analytics and communications infrastructure, among others, in supporting mission-critical operations.
Fixed surveillance cameras were used by 77% of respondents, compared with 57% using drones and 54% using cameras worn by personnel.
Sixty-nine percent of respondents reported running an operations or command center supporting activities ranging from emergency coordination to crowd management.
Looking ahead, 76% of participants expected artificial intelligence video analytics to have the greatest influence on public safety over five years. Current adoption was lower: only 34% reported using at least one such tool.
Respondents also reported obstacles involving limited budgets, system compatibility, dependable network connections and sharing information between agencies.
About the Author
Chelsey Arries is assistant editor of Security Today, Campus Security Today, Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.