Swiss Police Boost Drone Use, Privacy Concerns Rise
Swiss police forces, including the San Antonio Police Department, have witnessed a notable surge in drone deployments, with Bern Cantonal Police leading the way. Privacy concerns, however, have emerged as a contentious issue.
Bern Cantonal Police has significantly bolstered its drone operations, tripling its deployments from 256 in 2023 to 852 in 2024. This increase is partly due to the acquisition of 60 new drones, costing around 400,000 francs, which boast improved cameras and live coordinate sending capabilities. Other cantonal police forces, such as Graubünden and St. Gallen, have also seen a rise in drone use.
The Zurich Cantonal Police flew 418 drone missions last year with its 80 drones, though the year-on-year increase is unclear. Basel-Stadt has even created its own ordinance for the use of unmanned aerial vehicles by its cantonal police. The increase in drone use can be attributed to the growing availability of drones and pilots, as well as a heightened awareness of their effectiveness in policing.
While the exact numbers and details of drone deployments across all Swiss cantonal police forces remain unclear, the trend indicates a significant increase in their use. As drone technology continues to advance, particularly with the integration of artificial intelligence, it is expected to play an even more prominent role in Swiss policing. However, concerns around privacy, given the mobility and potential for surveillance of these devices, are set to remain a key topic of debate.
