UCLA Cops Stockpile Drones And Less-Lethal Munitions For 'Emergency Incidents' Authored by Bryan Hyde via American Greatness , The UCLA Police Department (UCPD) spent more than $220,000 on drones and less-than-lethal munitions in 2025 and is now seeking approval to expand its inventory further.
An Oct. 19 military equipment report reveals that UCPD bought three Skydio X10s under a 10-year contract at a cost of $21,654 annually for the drones and their docking stations. According to the Daily Bruin , the drones are part of UCPD's new Drone as First Responder program.
Richard Mejia, director of emergency communications and information for the Office of Campus and Community Safety, said in an emailed statement that the program aims to "improve situational awareness, reduce response times and provide valuable video evidence during emergency incidents."