Page 19 - PCPA Spring 2025 Bulletin Magazine

FIVE MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS IN U.S. LAW ENFORCEMENT TO WATCH IN 2025
dispatch DFR drones with pinpoint accuracy to an officer’s
real-time location, providing immediate aerial support.
As integrations between cloud-based RTCCs like Axon
Fusus and other public safety tools continue to advance,
agencies will gain an increasingly comprehensive view
of unfolding incidents—enhancing safety, efficiency, and
decision-making in real time.
2. Evolving Drone Policies
As drone hardware and software continue to advance,
foreign-made drones are increasingly seen as a
national security risk. The U.S. government—through
legislation such as the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense
Authorization Act (FY25 NDAA)—has begun imposing
stricter regulations on foreign-made drone technology.
For agencies that rely on foreign-made drone hardware
and software, there is a risk their fleets could be grounded
due to new regulations in the coming years.
To address this concern, Axon launched the Axon SkySwap
Program, a drone trade-in program designed to help U.S.
law enforcement agencies transition to compliant drone
hardware.
SkySwap allows public safety agencies to trade in non-
compliant drones for credit toward new, secure, NDAA-
compliant Axon Air DFR technology, such as the Skydio
X10, a next-generation autonomous drone. These
American-made autonomous drones allow agencies to
fly “beyond visual line of sight” (BVLOS), expanding their
response capabilities.
With SkySwap, agencies nationwide can future-proof their
drone operations in 2025 to ensure their drone programs
stay flying in an ever-changing regulatory landscape.
3. Strengthening Police-Community Partnerships
As police agencies nationwide adopt more community
policing strategies, many are also encouraging residents
and businesses to take an active role in public safety
through initiatives like Community Connect.
Community Connect, part of Axon Fusus, allows residents
and businesses to voluntarily register their security
cameras with local police. Registered cameras have
played a critical role in solving crimes and deterring crime
in communities across the nation.
As more jurisdictions adopt Community Connect, the
program is expected to further strengthen trust and
transparency between law enforcement and the public,
creating a shared sense of responsibility and mutual
respect. By expanding access to crime-solving tools and
fostering collaboration, Community Connect is helping to
build safer, more connected communities.
4. Emergence of AI
Artificial intelligence is transforming industries across the
U.S., and law enforcement is no exception. Axon AI helps
officers work faster and more effectively, improving both
emergency response and investigative work.
Axon AI allows agencies to automate redaction, reporting,
and the transcription of video and audio files. These tools
free up officers from administrative tasks, enabling them
to focus more on responding to calls and conducting
investigations.
Departments in Texas, Florida, and Washington have
reported significant time savings thanks to Axon AI
solutions. These solutions also help improve community
relations. For instance, automated redaction has helped
agencies expedite public records requests and streamline
transparency efforts.
As AI continues to evolve, Axon AI is well-positioned to
help U.S. law enforcement agencies streamline workflows
and improve outcomes.
5. Adoption of Counter-Drone Technology
The rise of drone technology has introduced new
challenges to public safety. Unauthorized drone activity
near critical infrastructure and public events poses a
unique safety risk to communities. Dedrone’s counter-
drone solutions help law enforcement agencies address
these threats.
With Dedrone, agencies can detect, track, and jam
unauthorized drones, improving airspace security.
Dedrone has helped secure airspace during public events
like football games and concerts and is increasingly used
to enhance visibility in metro areas.
To explore the latest advancements in counter-drone
technology, watch the webinar "Keeping Your Airspace
Secure: An Introduction to Counter-Drone."
The Power of Connected Systems in Public Safety
More and more, agencies are integrating their systems
to enhance response times, improve outcomes, and
strengthen community engagement.
From real-time crime centers to counter-drone technology,
public safety agencies are moving swiftly toward a safer,
more connected future.
To learn more about how your agency can leverage
connected technology to protect more lives in more
places, visit axon.com/industries/law-enforcement.
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SPRING 2025 BULLETIN