By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• The New York City Police Department will be authorized to disable and take control of unauthorized drones around major events, officials said.
• The authority is expected to come from the White House ahead of events including FIFA World Cup matches in 2026.
• Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced the plan during the department’s 2026 “State of the NYPD” address.
• The expanded counter-drone authority aims to enhance security and mitigate risks posed by rogue unmanned aircraft.
• The program comes as the NYPD increases its use of drones for public safety and security operations.
NEW YORK, NY — The New York City Police Department is poised to receive federal authority to disable and take control of unauthorized drones operating near major public events, officials said Tuesday.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the White House is expected to grant the NYPD this expanded counter-drone authority as the city prepares to host several FIFA World Cup matches in 2026.
Tisch announced the development during the department’s annual “State of the NYPD” address in Midtown Manhattan, noting the need to address rogue unmanned aircraft systems that could pose safety or security risks.
The authority would allow officers to physically disable or otherwise take control of unauthorized drones detected near large gatherings or high-profile events, a capability currently limited under federal law.
NYPD officials have increasingly integrated drone technology into public safety operations, and the new powers are part of broader efforts to enhance aerial security measures ahead of anticipated international and domestic events.