Sant Josep has developed an operational drone network that allows its Local Police to assess incidents from the air, support officers on the ground and gather information across the municipality. The system uses six drones positioned around the area, with officers able to deploy them remotely to reach an incident within approximately three to four minutes, according to local police chief José Antonio Granados.

The technology is being used for a range of tasks, from road safety and traffic incidents to searches for people arriving by boat and support during illegal parties at private villas. The municipality has been working with drones since 2017, but the system has since expanded into a wider network designed to improve the speed and effectiveness of police responses.

Six Drones Providing Rapid Aerial Support

The drone network is coordinated from the Local Police headquarters in Sant Josep, where officers can respond to reports from residents or information provided by patrols in the street.

When an incident is reported, a drone can be deployed to provide an initial aerial assessment before ground officers arrive. Its cameras can offer a 360-degree view of the area, helping police understand the situation and identify potential risks.

The drones are equipped with technology that can include thermal and infrared vision, loudspeakers and spotlights. These capabilities allow officers to gather information in different conditions and communicate with people at an incident when necessary.

Granados explained that the system is intended to support existing police work rather than replace officers on the ground. Aerial information can help patrols prepare for an incident, assess the safety of an area and make more informed decisions when they arrive.

From Road Safety to Searches Following Boat Arrivals

The drones are used for a wide range of operational tasks, including traffic accidents, road safety checks, vehicle parking enforcement and support for police patrols.

They have also been used during searches for people arriving on Ibiza by small boats. Granados described a recent case in which a drone was deployed after a boat arrived in Sant Josep, helping officers locate the people who had come ashore.

In areas such as Ses Salines, the police coordinate with the airport control tower before operating drones, taking account of air traffic and any potential safety concerns.

The system has also supported police operations connected with illegal parties at private villas, where aerial surveillance can help officers understand the scale and circumstances of an incident.

Granados said the ability to deploy a drone remotely from police headquarters allows the force to obtain information at an early stage, whether the incident is a major operation or a relatively routine matter such as checking vehicles parked in restricted spaces.

Artificial Intelligence Added to the System

The drone network is continuing to evolve as new technology becomes available. According to Granados, artificial intelligence is already being used in the system to help monitor the numbers of people, vehicles and boats in an area.

The police chief said the technology could continue to improve through additional capabilities and a possible expansion of the number of stations from which drones can operate.

More stations would allow the police to carry out additional flights or keep drones positioned near an emergency for longer periods, he explained.

The municipality's existing network is designed to provide aerial support across approximately 168 square kilometres. Granados said the ability to deploy drones remotely across such a large area distinguishes Sant Josep's system from other arrangements he is aware of in Europe.

He described it as an unusual model for municipal policing, although the claim that no comparable system exists elsewhere in Europe is his assessment rather than the conclusion of an independently published European comparison.

A Technology-Led Approach to Local Policing

Sant Josep's experience reflects the growing use of drones by public authorities to gather information, monitor traffic and support emergency responses.

The municipality's approach combines remotely deployed aircraft with a central control room, allowing officers to assess incidents before committing ground patrols. The system's practical value depends on how effectively the aerial information can be integrated into police decisions and coordinated with other services.

For Sant Josep, the next stage may involve expanding the network and continuing to incorporate new technology. For now, the drones are already being used in everyday policing, from traffic checks to searches and larger security operations across the municipality.