NIJ FY 2026 Research and Evaluation on Drones as First Responders
The National Institute of Justice funds researcher–law enforcement partnerships to evaluate drones as first responders for violent crime, immigration enforcement, and other policing activities.
Funder: National Institute of Justice
Due Dates: November 30, 2026 (Grants.gov) | December 7, 2026 (JustGrants)
Funding Amounts: $3.5 million total funding; up to $3.5 million per award; 6 awards expected
Summary: Supports rigorous evaluations of drones as first responders for violent crime, immigration enforcement, and other law enforcement activities.
Key Information: NIJ expects research entities and law enforcement agencies to collaborate on DFR implementation and operational evaluation.
Description
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ), within the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, supports rigorous research and evaluation of drones as first responders (DFR). The program seeks actionable information about police implementation of small drones to combat violent crime, support immigration enforcement, and carry out other law enforcement activities.
NIJ welcomes evaluations of existing DFR capabilities and pilot programs at police departments already using the technology, as well as implementation of new pilot programs or demonstrations. Research entities and law enforcement agencies are expected to collaborate on implementing DFR and evaluating operational performance. Participating law enforcement agencies may retain DFR technology purchased through the award at the study’s conclusion.
