By Assistant Police Chief Thomas Hover
As technology evolves, so too does the way law enforcement protects and serves. One of the most transformative developments in modern policing is the strategic use of drones — an innovation that is redefining response times, enhancing officer safety and providing critical real-time intelligence. The Irving (Texas) Police Department stands at the forefront of this evolution, leading the way with a dynamic and multifaceted drone program that is setting new standards in public safety.
Launching a tactical advantage: The Tactical Drone Program
The Irving Police Department launched its Tactical Drone Program in 2017, quickly building a reputation for both safety and operational success. Today, the department boasts a fleet of 15 drones of varying sizes and capabilities, operated by 28 certified pilots.
Tactical drone deployments typically involve a pilot arriving at the scene of an in-progress call using a specially equipped squad car. Once on site, the drone is deployed to assist uniformed officers in critical missions — searching for missing or endangered individuals, tracking fleeing suspects, and supporting SWAT operations during building searches. Drones are also used to provide aerial overwatch during large-scale public events, ensuring both security and situational awareness.
Advancing innovation: The Drone First Responder (DFR) Program
Building on the success of its tactical operations, the Irving Police Department began developing a Drone First Responder (DFR) Program in 2022. While existing models in California, Texas and New Jersey offered a blueprint, many were either cost-prohibitive or not suited to Texas’s unique operational and weather conditions.
A DFR program consists of three essential components:
- A drone dock equipped with a ready-to-launch drone
- A drone cockpit operated by a pilot
- A detect-and-avoid system for identifying manned aircraft in the area.
One of the most significant challenges was identifying an effective detect-and-avoid system. While some agencies relied on rooftop observers or camera monitoring, these solutions faltered — especially at night. Irving overcame this by partnering with the University of Mississippi to adopt and implement a cutting-edge ground-based radar system.
By summer 2024, the department had completed its research and fully equipped its DFR infrastructure, including two drone pilot cockpits and three drone docks. Officially launched in March 2025, the results were immediate and impactful: in 56% of cases, a drone arrived on-scene before the marked squad car, and in 20% of flights, the call was cleared before any officers arrived. These operations are conducted under an FAA First Responder Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Waiver, allowing extended-range drone flights with the support of visual observers and temporary use of binoculars.
The department is now pursuing a true BVLOS Waiver that would eliminate the need for human observers by using radar-based airspace monitoring. Additionally, a waiver has been submitted to increase operational altitude from 200 feet to 400 feet — further expanding capability and coverage. All drone operations are now fully integrated into the city’s Real Time Crime Center, maximizing efficiency and coordination.
Managing the sky: Responding to a surge in civilian drone activity
As drones become more accessible for recreational and commercial use, law enforcement faces new challenges in ensuring airspace safety and managing risk. The Irving Police Department has prioritized four key areas to address this growing concern:
1. Air traffic management and global recognition
In 2023, Irving partnered with federal agencies to create a comprehensive Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Traffic Management system. As private companies like Amazon and Wing expand drone delivery services, coordination between commercial and public safety drones becomes essential.
This collaboration earned Irving the designation of “Key Site City,” leading to global recognition at the 2024 Harmonizing the Skies Summit, where its UAV management model was recognized as the global standard. The department is now working with private vendors to develop software solutions to regulate and monitor low-altitude drone activity over the city.
2. Drone detection and aviation safety
Located adjacent to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport — the third-busiest airport in the world — Irving is acutely aware of the dangers drones pose to commercial aviation. Pilots frequently report drones flying at unsafe altitudes during final approaches.
Drones have also been seen over highways, crowds and critical infrastructure. To address these risks, the department is actively researching advanced detection tools and pilot identification technologies.
3. Enforcement gaps and legislative needs
Drone enforcement remains primarily under federal jurisdiction, but the rapid rise in drone activity has outpaced federal agencies’ capacity to respond. The Irving Police Department has maintained strong ties with the FAA and U.S. Air Marshals, yet the lack of local enforcement authority is a growing concern.
A two-tiered approach is recommended:
- Federal Task Force Officers (TFOs): Embedding TFOs within the FAA and U.S. Air Marshals to improve enforcement, communication and prosecution.
- State and local legislation: Expanding local authority beyond current restrictions — such as those around critical infrastructure and stadiums — so that municipalities can regulate drone activity in their own jurisdictions.
4. Emerging threats: Drones and terrorism
Drones have become tools not only for innovation but also potential threats — especially at large public gatherings such as parades, festivals, or sports events. Terrorist organizations have already used drones for:
- Reconnaissance missions to map targets,
- Surveillance to analyze law enforcement response times.
While the FAA can restrict airspace over such events, enforcement remains limited due to personnel shortages. Without strong oversight, the threat to public safety remains significant.
Looking ahead: The future of drones in policing
The Irving Police Department continues to research and review drone technology and its use in everyday law enforcement. New innovations on the horizon include drones capable of delivering Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to medical emergencies and deploying Conducted Energy Devices (CEDs) in high-risk situations.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is also transforming drone operations. AI-powered systems can now identify obstacles, recognize threats and assist pilots with real-time decision-making. However, the weaponization of drones remains controversial. While AI may enhance flight safety and situational awareness, the public is not yet prepared for autonomous drones with offensive capabilities — and rightfully so.
Conclusion: Building a safer future with smart policy and innovation
The Irving Police Department’s drone initiatives have revolutionized public safety operations, improving response times, enhancing situational awareness and supporting officers in the field. Yet, as drones become more prevalent, proactive measures are needed to secure airspace, modernize regulations, and guide responsible use.
The future of drone policing lies in strategic legislation, technological innovation and robust interagency collaboration. By embracing thoughtful policies and maintaining public trust, law enforcement can continue to integrate UAVs as vital tools in 21st-century policing — serving as a true force multiplier while keeping communities safe
About the author
With 23 years of law enforcement experience, Thomas Hover serves as the Assistant Police Chief of the Irving (Texas) Police Department, overseeing the Field Operations Bureau, which includes Patrol and Special Operations. Passionate about advancing policing standards, he embraces a Servant Leadership approach — prioritizing ethical decision-making, innovation and community engagement to build stronger relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
A key career achievement includes the development and implementation of a Real Time Crime Center and a Drone as First Responder Program, leveraging technology to enhance operational effectiveness and public safety. This initiative not only improved real-time crime response but also led to strategic partnerships with NASA, the FAA and the Global UTM Association, resulting in a pioneering approach to managing low-altitude airspace safety — one of the first programs of its kind in the world.
Thomas Hover’s commitment to professional growth and leadership is reflected in his academic and executive training. He holds a Master of Applied Liberal Arts in Criminal Justice from Tarleton State University and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Texas State University. Additionally, Thomas Hover is a graduate of several esteemed leadership programs, including the FBI National Academy Session 287, the 54th School of Executive Leadership at the Institute of Law Enforcement Administration, and the 91st Leadership Command College at the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas.
Recognized for strategic leadership, innovation and a commitment to excellence, Thomas Hover continues to drive initiatives that enhance public safety, operational efficiency and the future of law enforcement.
