Police departments in Georgia can and do follow suspects with drones. They can also observe criminal activity, such as witnessing a drug deal or follow suspects who are fleeing from police officers. They can also use drones to act as first responders in many situations — something that has happened in Atlanta.
In some ways, the use of a drone is similar to the use of a police helicopter. If a suspect in a vehicle is trying to get away from the police, it can take time to get a helicopter and crew in the air. Launching a drone, however, may be much faster. In some situations, this may also be safer than having officers engage in a high-speed pursuit in squad cars.
Answering thousands of calls
Reports from 2025 indicate that drones answered more than 1,000 calls in the Atlanta area alone. Police officers have noted that they were not necessarily thinking about solving crimes when they first started using drones. They believed drones would be helpful for locating missing persons, for example. However, they quickly realized these devices could also be used during criminal investigations.
Your legal defense options
The use of drones is sometimes controversial, especially for those who worry that it may violate a citizen’s right to privacy. Some people question whether they want police officers using drones
Currently, the use of drones by law enforcement is legal in many situations. Those who find themselves facing criminal charges need to understand what defense options may be available to them. Getting experienced legal guidance as soon as possible can help.
