By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
- • The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department unveiled an expanded Fusion Watch and Drone Operations Center at its headquarters.
- • The center integrates a real-time information network with a fleet of about 75 drones.
- • Drones can launch from 13 rooftop skyports around the city to support calls for service.
- • Officials said the department flew about 10,000 missions in 2025 and expects to roughly double operations.
- • Aircraft are equipped with artificial intelligence and thermal imaging for varied public safety uses.
LAS VEGAS, NV — The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department unveiled an expanded Fusion Watch and Drone Operations Center and a network of drone skyports during a Jan. 7 media event at Metro Headquarters, officials said.
The upgraded facility integrates the department’s real-time information network with aerial support capabilities, housing drone pilots and analysts who monitor feeds and coordinate missions across the city.
LVMPD has about 75 drones available for operational use, and the 13 skyports — rooftop launch pads positioned around Las Vegas — enable rapid deployment to calls for service, Sheriff Kevin McMahill said during the unveiling.
Assistant Sheriff Dori Koren said the department flew approximately 10,000 drone missions in 2025 and expects to nearly double that number in 2026, with flights supporting law enforcement and public safety tasks ranging from stolen vehicle identification to search operations.
The drones are equipped with technology including artificial intelligence for collision avoidance and thermal imaging to assist in locating missing persons and other scenarios, officials said.