Almaty residents glancing skyward these days may notice an unusual sight: police drones hovering overhead, ready to call out anyone who litters or causes a disturbance on the street.
The aerial patrols, launched this week, mark Kazakhstan’s latest experiment in law enforcement technology. According to Polisia.kz, the flying devices now cruise through pedestrian zones, courtyards, and busy public spaces, monitoring minor infractions that have long plagued the city.
When someone tosses trash onto the sidewalk, spits in public, behaves disorderly, or crosses the street improperly, they may hear an unexpected voice from above. The drones are equipped with loudspeakers and flashing lights, allowing them to address violators immediately and remind them that such behavior breaks the rules.
In Kazakhstan, drone police will start flying through the streets to fine residents for littering and hooliganism.
The authorities in Almaty hope that this will help discourage bad habits and teach people to respect others in public spaces. pic.twitter.com/co6A9BSPqI
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) February 21, 2026
Serik Shumayev, Head of the Administrative Police Department of the Almaty Police, described the drones as “a new method of preventing violations” that helps “maintain order in the city.” He explained that the technology enables authorities to monitor remote areas and manage situations without dispatching additional officers to the scene.
The program aims to reshape public behavior in Kazakhstan, since casual littering and disorderly conduct have remained persistent problems. Rather than relying solely on fines issued after the fact, officials hope immediate aerial intervention will discourage bad habits and encourage residents to show greater respect for shared spaces.
Early reactions suggest the drones are generating more curiosity than concern. Several people who have already encountered the devices reportedly responded with surprise and laughter rather than alarm.
The initiative places Almaty among a growing number of cities worldwide experimenting with drone technology for routine policing. While some jurisdictions focus on traffic monitoring or emergency response, Kazakhstan has directed its initial deployment toward quality-of-life offenses that affect everyday urban living.
