(NewsNation) — Law enforcement agencies nationwide are using artificial intelligence to bolster their crime-fighting efforts and enhance community safety.

These “crime-fighting drones” assist officers in preventing and detecting criminal activity, often granting them surveillance capabilities in areas where human visibility is limited.

With more than 1,400 such drones deployed nationwide, the equipment plays a significant role in enhancing law enforcement operations.

How are police employing crime-fighting drones?

In Tennessee, the Nashville Police Department’s drone recorded footage of a suspected shoplifter who was caught and taken into custody.

While responding to a call, the officer-operated drone located the suspect from the sky at night and officers on the ground were able to make the arrest.

Police departments nationwide have adopted this strategy, utilizing drones as a non-traditional yet effective tool to catch criminals.

By utilizing these drones, law enforcement gains real-time visibility of suspects, allowing for quicker interventions. Additionally, drones can access locations beyond the reach of officers.

“Drone and AI coverage and footage is a great way to be able to do that in neighborhoods that are really being hit hard with violence, carjackings, and open-air shootings,” said Jomo Johnson, founder of SMS Films.

Law enforcement agencies are adopting similar approaches from big cities to small towns, integrating crime-fighting drones into their operations.

Why are there privacy concerns?

Some organizations, like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), have raised significant privacy concerns regarding the use of drones in law enforcement.

Critics argue there is a need for stricter regulations and guidelines for both drones and the officers operating them.

However, drones are deployed for several purposes, ranging from catching shoplifters to conducting search and rescue missions.

Police say in some cases using a drone is safer than dispatching an officer to respond directly.