As long as they get used only in response to 911 calls and not preventively, this might be a good idea. But knowing cops, I see this getting abused basically from day one
They are already used at big events to monitor people in the crowd.
My hometown had a minimum of 6 airborn at very high altitudes at all times except actual bad weather. Almost 80% of residential area in town was always within view of at least 1 drone equipped with thermal.
This is probably the appropriate use of drones in police work. It lets cops know what they are walking into so they don't go in guns blazing every time. It will also help them verify they have the right address.
I think they'll still go in guns blazing. They just love that shit.
Strap some guns to the drones, and you can do both at once. No need for cops to ever put themselves in "danger" by going out and doing actual community policing. Just deploy the drone and spray from a safe distance while sitting behind a game controller
Cops will speed run the authorization for flying guns.
YOU ARE BEING RESCUED.
PLEASE DO NOT RESIST.