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Snapshot · OMB 2025 inventory · processed Oct 11, 2026
DOJ · DOJ-0092 · record R1549

Autonomous Drone Detection and Monitoring

Department of Justice · Department of Justice / DEA

Overview

Development stage
DeployedSource: c) Deployed – The use case is being actively authorized or utilized to support the functions or mission of an agency.
High-impact designation
High-impactSource: a) High-impact
Impact justification
Not reported
Start date
2024-01 (month precision)Source: 01/2024
Withheld from public reporting
NoSource: a) No

Mission

Topic area
Law Enforcement
Operational functions
No function tag matched Derived by keyword rules; see methodology

Problem the AI is intended to solve

DEA needs drones that can safely and effectively navigate autonomously

Expected benefits

This use case supports human drone operators and pilots in deploying drones by collecting data. It minimizes the need for costly, extensive training and allows drone operators to focus on real-time operational needs. It supports post-deployment data analysis.

System outputs

Outputs high-resolution imaging and thermal imaging data, video feeds, 3D mapping, reports and analytics on drones and its communication links.

Technology

AI classification
Classical / predictive MLSource: Classical/Predictive Machine Learning: Models trained on data to make predictions or classifications based on identified patterns or relatio…
System name(s)
Redacted for cybersecurity purposes.
Custom-developed code
No
Public source code
Not reported

Sourcing

How it was built
Purchased from vendorSource: a) Purchased from a vendor
Vendor (as reported)
Not reported
Vendors (standardized)
None on the standard list

A vendor is the supplier named by the agency. It does not identify the underlying model or AI technology.

Data and privacy

Involves PII
Yes
Privacy Impact Assessment
Not reported
Authorization to Operate
No
Demographic features
k) None of the above
Training and evaluation data
The case owner relied on DOJ AI governance practices to select and prepare data, as well as evaluate performance.
Federal Data Catalog
Not reported

Governance

8 of 8 minimum-practice questions answered. A blank answer means the agency reported nothing; it does not mean the practice is absent.

Pre-deployment testingReported in progressSource: b) In-progress
AI impact assessmentReported in progressSource: b) In-progress
Independent reviewReported in progressSource: d) In-progress
Ongoing monitoringReported in progressSource: b) Development of monitoring protocols is in-progress
Operator trainingReported in progressSource: b) Establishment of sufficient and periodic training is in-progress
Fail-safeReported in progressSource: c) In-progress
Appeal processReported in progressSource: c) Establishment of an appropriate appeal process is in-progress
User and public consultationReported in progressSource: e) In-progress

Potential impacts and how they were identified

Consistent with Executive Orders and OMB guidance, the case owner relied on DOJ AI governance practices to evaluate impacts and risks.