The use of drones in public safety: mapping applications, potential and limitations

Purpose This study aims to analyse the scientific production on the use of drones in public safety, identifying patterns of development, collaboration networks, intellectual structure, thematic evolution and research gaps in the field. Design/methodology/approach The research adopts a quantitative, descriptive and exploratory approach based on bibliometric analysis. Data were collected from the Scopus database, covering the period from 2021 to 2025. A total of 361 journal articles were analysed using performance indicators and science mapping techniques. The study employs PyBibX for performance analysis and VOSviewer and Bibliometrix (R) for co-authorship, co-citation, keyword co-occurrence and conceptual structure analysis through Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA). Additionally, a PRISMA-based protocol was applied to identify a core set of 65 articles for thematic classification. Findings The results indicate that research on drones in public safety is a rapidly expanding and highly collaborative field, characterised by strong internationalisation and interdisciplinary integration. The intellectual structure is supported by multiple interconnected domains, including artificial intelligence, signal processing, autonomous systems, and security studies. Thematic analysis reveals that drones function as central elements in the transition towards data-driven policing, enabling real-time monitoring, predictive analytics and operational optimisation. However, the study also identifies significant challenges related to regulatory gaps, cybersecurity risks, institutional barriers and ethical concerns, particularly regarding privacy, legitimacy and social acceptance. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to the Scopus database, English-language journal articles, and the 2021–2025 period, which may exclude relevant contributions from other sources or earlier foundational studies. Future research should incorporate multiple databases, extend temporal coverage, and explore qualitative and empirical approaches, particularly regarding governance, regulation, and societal impacts. Practical implications The findings provide insights for policymakers, public safety agencies, and practitioners by highlighting key applications, technological requirements, and implementation challenges associated with drone adoption. The study supports strategic decision-making related to resource allocation, operational integration, and technological investment in security systems. Social implications The increasing use of drones in public safety has significant implications for the relationship between the state and society, particularly in terms of surveillance, privacy, and institutional trust. The results emphasize the need for transparent governance, procedural justice, and proportional use of technology to ensure social legitimacy and public acceptance. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive bibliometric and conceptual mapping of drones in public safety, integrating technological, organizational, and sociotechnical perspectives. It advances the field by proposing an analytical interpretation of UAVs as platforms of datafication, supporting the transition towards data-driven security systems.