Europe’s Unmanned Future: Robots, Drones, and Law Enforcement

Europol has published The Unmanned Future(s): The Impact of Robotics and Unmanned Systems on Law Enforcement, developed by the Europol Innovation Lab. The report examines how unmanned systems—such as drones and robots—could reshape society, criminal behaviour, and policing, and sets out both the operational opportunities and the governance challenges that accompany wider adoption.

Unmanned systems are becoming more capable, more affordable, and more widely available across public and private sectors. For European law enforcement, this creates practical benefits: improved situational awareness, enhanced officer safety, and greater operational reach. The media release highlights common use cases already associated with these technologies, including monitoring, crime scene mapping, search and rescue, and explosive ordnance disposal. It also notes that converging technologies may drive major advances in capability, accelerating what these systems can do in real-world operational settings.

However, the report also warns that the same technologies that support policing can be repurposed for harm. Criminal and terrorist actors are described as rapidly adopting unmanned systems for illicit activity, with risks spanning surveillance, smuggling, and potentially attacks. As accessibility increases—particularly for drones—law enforcement faces an expanding threat surface that is mobile, low-cost, and adaptable.

The release further underlines that progress is not only technical; it is regulatory and societal. Current rules are evolving, but gaps remain—especially when dealing with non-compliant or criminal use and when setting boundaries for autonomous operations. Technical limitations also matter, including constraints on autonomy, reliance on industrial suppliers, and the absence of clear guidelines for autonomy in law enforcement deployments.

A key theme is legitimacy. Public trust is positioned as essential for effective policing, meaning transparency, accountability, and public engagement must accompany any scaled use of unmanned systems. Looking ahead, Europol frames a “three-dimensional” operating environment—air, ground, and on/under water—requiring new strategies, technologies, and training.

To prepare, the report recommends a clearer strategic direction, the creation of a competency hub, integration of unmanned systems into existing information systems, and investment in training, education, and trust-building initiatives—so innovation strengthens public safety without eroding fundamental rights.

Source: New report explores use of robotics and unmanned systems in the fight against crime - Europol publishes ‘The unmanned future(s): The impact of robotics and unmanned systems on law enforcement’ | Europol