Debate Over DJI Ban Compels Police and Fire Agencies to Develop Resilient Drone Programs
Governance Framework Highlights Challenges for U.S. Public Safety Agencies
A recent analysis published by Police1 emphasizes that the primary challenge facing U.S. public safety agencies is not whether DJI drones should be included on a federal watchlist, but rather whether these agencies have developed drone programs that can withstand regulatory changes without compromising their operational capabilities. The report, authored by Dr. Lestrange, comes in light of the FCC‘s December 2025 decision to include foreign-produced unmanned aircraft systems on a forward-looking basis, leaving approximately 25,000 DJI drones currently in use by public safety fleets in a state of uncertainty regarding future procurement decisions.
Impact of the FCC Decision on Existing Drone Fleets
The FCC’s late December 2025 update to the Covered List not only targeted DJI but also foreign-produced UAS and critical components. While existing drones are not subject to retroactive grounding, the decision complicates future procurement as agencies face the reality of aging equipment. As noted by DRONERESPONDERS, the implications of this decision are significant, with agencies needing to consider replacement cycles for drones, batteries, and parts.
According to a white paper from the National Association of State Aviation Officials, 25 states reported a total of 467 restricted drones, with potential costs reaching up to $2 billion nationwide. This figure encompasses expenses related to hardware replacement, retraining, and updated operational procedures.
Understanding Drones as Complex Systems
The framework from Police1 argues that many agencies have historically viewed drones merely as equipment, akin to thermal cameras or patrol vehicles. However, UAS platforms are sophisticated systems that include radios, software, and data pathways, making them vulnerable to cyber threats. The CISA has classified UAS as information and communications technology (ICT) devices, highlighting the need for robust cybersecurity measures.
DJI’s enterprise platforms offer certain mitigations, such as Local Data Mode, which disables network requests during operation. Additionally, DroneSense provides configuration instructions for DJI controllers to enhance security. While these measures do not replace the need for internal governance, they provide agencies with tools to manage their drone operations more effectively.
Lessons from Past Technology Management
The analysis draws parallels to the U.S. State Department’s 2006 response to concerns over Lenovo computers, which involved restricting their use to non-sensitive networks rather than implementing a blanket ban. This approach allowed for continued use of Lenovo products while managing technology risks through tiered controls. Some public safety agencies are already adopting similar strategies with their drone fleets, utilizing a mix of compliant and existing systems to maintain operational capabilities.
Preference for American-Made Systems Amid Cost Concerns
Survey data from DRONERESPONDERS indicates that a significant majority of public safety officials would prefer U.S.-manufactured drones if they were competitively priced and performed well. However, current market realities show that DJI remains dominant due to its performance and cost advantages, which have not yet been matched by domestic manufacturers.
The Police1 framework also raises an important point regarding the focus of national security concerns. It suggests that municipal public safety agencies are not typically responsible for inspecting critical infrastructure, which is often managed by utilities and energy companies. This raises questions about whether the current policy focus is appropriately directed.
Conclusion and Future Considerations
The analysis from Police1 provides a candid assessment of the challenges posed by the DJI ban, acknowledging the legitimacy of security concerns while questioning the effectiveness of blanket prohibitions. The report highlights a governance gap, noting that many agencies lack formal cybersecurity documentation despite implementing disciplined operational practices.
As the FCC moves to exempt certain drone systems from the Covered List, the regulatory landscape continues to evolve. By the end of 2026, many public safety agencies are expected to document operational challenges stemming from the transition, potentially accelerating the process of regulatory adjustments.