I believe drones will be a part of our future.
Their capabilities will, like most technologies, constantly advance and as this occurs their proliferation will be ensured by that most influential of considerations, cost!
Don't be surprised if 20 years from now someone sitting in a police control room clicks on a specific map location then selects "Deploy Drone". The device will be able to self-navigate using built-in GPS, conduct preset as well as customised aerial patterns and will have the ability to record and relay (in real time) sound and video (both infrared and thermal) and no doubt much much more.
In terms of device malfunction, when something is sensed which might result in a catastrophic breakdown, the drone will simply deploy a parachute which, although unable to guarantee nil damage, will certainly lessen the blow.