The NOPD has released statistical information regarding its (sUAS) Drone Unit.
First Quarter 2026
Total sUAS/Drone Flights: 209 total flights
Of the 209 flights, the breakdown is as follows
- 164 flights were in support of 6 special events
- 121 during Mardi Gras
- 2 were in support of rescue operations
- 13 were in support of scene reconstruction for fatality investigations
- 1 was in support of tactical operations
- 11 flights were for training purposes
- 18 are part of active investigations and are exempt pursuant to LRS 44:3.
Second Quarter 2026
Total sUAS/Drone Flights: 112 total flights
Of the 112 flights, the breakdown is as follows
- 74 flights were in support of 6 special events
- 11 were in support of rescue operations
- 9 were in support of block searches for a suspect in a violent crime
- 8 were in support of scene reconstruction for fatality investigations
- 3 were in support of other specified (checking under the Esplanade Ave. wharf along the river for safety concerns)
- 2 were in support of tactical operations
- 2 flights were for training purposes
- 3 are part of active investigations and are exempt pursuant to LRS 44:3.
The NOPD’s public dashboard regarding sUAS flights can be viewed at https://cloud.skydio.com/dashboard/nopd.
Have a question or correction? Please email NOPD’s Public Affairs Division at nopdpio@nola.gov.