The Van Buren Police Department is staying ahead – and above – of things to come and trying to get a clearer view of how technology can help law enforcement today and in the future. It is among a growing number of police departments in southeastern Michigan to invest in drone technology, and it’s already proving beneficial in many instances.

“Like all technology, the use of drones is constantly evolving,” said Sgt. Ryan McCormick, one of four VB police officers trained and certified to use one of the two drones (one for interior-based operations, one for exterior) put into service in April 2025. “More departments are finding more ways to use it for more applications. From being sent as initial responders, (traffic accidents, physical altercations) to doing general area surveillance such as sporting events, fairs, etc., drones will continue to be a growing part of law enforcement.”

Van Buren Deputy Chief Josh Monte said the department is trying to not only keep up but stay ahead of what’s coming in the next wave of technology.

“In the very near future we're gonna start seeing a lot of drone traffic from commercial entities, manufacturing companies delivering parts, Amazon delivering packages and more,” Monte said. “You can even see groceries being delivered by drones. So we're trying to get ahead of this by trying to manage it from a law enforcement perspective.”

While McCormick said drones are used on almost every call and allows them to “complete many tasks and make situations safer while offering a different perspective,” drones come with a long flight plan of rules and regulations. Because most of Van Buren Township is within FAA airspace of Willow Run and Detroit Metropolitan airports, McCormick has to get clearance from the FAA before the drone can even take off.

Law enforcement must adhere to all FAA regulations, which include flight limitations and safety requirements, though waivers are available for operations that fall outside these rules. Law enforcement agencies also have the authority to investigate and deter unauthorized drone operations.

However, some of those rules and regulations are getting easier to navigate. Under a June 2025 executive order signed by President Trump, the FAA has expanded rules governing law enforcement use of drones and improved access to Remote ID information for federal, state and local police.

“By next year, they're going to be giving us more authority over drones in the air, giving us the authority to monitor drones in the air to find out who the drones are registered to,” Monte said. “We have been meeting with companies that have the technology so we can monitor all of our airspace and technology. So it'll help us kind of almost police the air.”

Drone technology offers law enforcement an overhead view, cutting down on search times, and allowing the taking of evidence-based photographs on incidents. And the cameras on these drones are simply amazing.

“We can fly this drone from our parking lot and read the license plate numbers on cars on Belleville Road a mile away,” McCormick said. “The interior drone allows us to check areas of a building from a safe location and gather information without putting officers in an unnecessary risk situation. We also have already assisted with K-9 tracks, searching fields / wooded areas with thermal – anything that allows the perspective while keeping first responders safe.”

McCormick admits the training is difficult but necessary.

“It is overseen by the FAA and requires you to complete a course – similar to a course you would take for an initial pilot’s license,” he said. “The course emphasizes safety in the air and it specifically hits hard on operating around active airports. Our township falls in the radius of two busy airports, which could present challenges to drone use – but doable if you file the proper flight plans.”

Van Buren’s flight plan into the future is focused on protecting its citizens, keeping officers safe and identifying and finding suspects breaking the law – on the ground and in the air. Drone technology is another important tool in that toolbox.

“Stellantis is building a mega-hub right here in Van Buren Township (scheduled to be operational in 2027), and at some point I envision them delivering parts with drones and it will all be automated,” Monte said. “So we're kind of preparing now for what that is going to entail from a law enforcement perspective, and how we need to work collaboratively with federal agencies to keep the skies safe and regulated.”