Tag - Border Patrol

Keys to Adding Drones to Public Safety Agency Operations

Often, one of the biggest obstacles to the widespread adoption of any new technology is the initial uncertainty of the regulation landscape. For example, consider the promise of self-driving cars. While the technology is advancing by leaps and bounds, the much-needed test-driving hours are constrained by red tape. Without real-world testing the acceptance and adoption of this technology stalls. Thankfully, drones are further down the road in terms of both societal acceptance and utilization. As the regulation landscape settles, the largest growth of drones is still ahead. Today, more and more industries utilize drones to perform functions that were once unimaginable. Public Safety Agencies are beginning to harness their potential, as well. And, though they are some integration obstacles, advanced planning can reduce the pain.  

Challenges of adding drones

For most public agencies, navigating drone operation regulations is fairly straightforward and manageable. A thornier issue is managing public opinion. Public opposition to the use of UAVs by local municipalities, though decreasing, is still fairly high. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds that 36% of American Adults now favor the use of unmanned drones by police agencies in the United States. Slightly more (39%) still oppose the use of police drones, while 25% are undecided. Objections range from concerns about privacy to liability issues in the event of a drone mishap. At the same time, municipal agencies face resistance from within their organizations. Of particular concern is the financial cost of purchasing equipment, training staff, and the natural hesitance that comes with adopting any new technology. It's best if any agency looking to add drones to the public safety toolkit address these issues in advance.  

Overcoming Perceptions

Drones are powerful tools which can help maintain public safety, assist in search and rescue operations and even perform humanitarian relief work. However, for many in the general public, drones are just glorified toys. In part, this is due to the relative newness of the technology coupled with limited experience with "serious" drone operations. The "drone is just a toy" mentality is particularly harmful when it comes to price. Acquiring a drone built for commercial or public service involves considerable financial outlay. Commercial drones can cost several thousand dollars once peripherals and accessories are taken into consideration. There is also the added cost of training personnel and securing the proper certification for the pilots. Understanding the costs of adding a drone to the agency is imperative. Keep in mind, though, the technological benefits are substantial. From conducting night operations with infrared cameras to surveying areas that are inaccessible or inhospitable to humans, drones extend the reach of an agency. In high risk situations, drones can help minimize personnel exposure. Plus, drones are highly portable with a small take-off and landing footprint, and deploy rapidly.  

Integrating the technology

Once an agency decides to add a drone to their operations, the next step is to ensure adequate preparation for their use. Commercial drone operations are, of course, regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Drone operators must complete training and certification before taking control of a drone. The agency, as well, must apply for their waiver in order to conduct operations. The issue of liability is another consideration when integrating this technology. In the course of any operation, mishaps occur. It is important to understand the liabilities associated with operating a drone for public safety work. It is helpful, too, to understand how they agency will handle any liability issues that arise. A review of insurance coverage is vital. Integrating drone technology into public safety operations can vastly improve the reach and efficiency of an agency. With careful investment in the right equipment, training and education, an agency can integrate drones with much success.

U.S. Border Patrol Announces sUAS Pilot Program

The steady advance of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) into real-world environments, continues. In September, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced  a new pilot program. The program, executed by the U.S. Border Patrol, evaluates the use of sUAS within the CPB operational environment. Tests sites, already identified, include three USBP sectors. The program kicks off within the Tucson sector with plans to expand to Rio Grande Valley and Swanton later this year.  

Eyes in the sky

Border Patrol agents will use the remotely piloted sUAS for reconnaissance, intelligence, surveillance, tracking, and acquisition capabilities. Their primary operational environment is in areas that are difficult to access or otherwise considered too high-risk for manned aircraft or CBP personnel on the ground. “We anticipate the sUAS program to be a valuable tool for Border Patrol’s highly trained law enforcement personnel in securing our borders and helping identify and intercept illicit activity along U.S. borders,” said Carla Provost, Acting Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol. “These aircraft will enable Border Patrol agents to surveil remote areas not easily accessible by other means, which is critical to our ability to secure the border," Provost said. "They will also be invaluable for humanitarian missions, aiding in locating individuals in need of medical assistance along inhospitable areas of the border.”  

Border Patrol sUAS program

The pilot program tests the operational effectiveness of three sUAS fixed-wing and rotorcraft: Puma, Raven and InstantEye Quadcopter. All of the sUAS share a few common features deemed vital for operations. Each is portable, easily fitting inside an SUV, highly maneuverable and deploy rapidly. The sUAS pilot features two rotations in each of the three identified sectors. The first rotations began in September 2017. The second starts in January 2018. The aim is to test both hot and cold weather capabilities of the sUAS. CPB will issue a final review late Spring 2018. The review is expected to also include future investment decisions and expansion of the program to other USBP Sectors.  

The End Game

The hope is that the rapid deployment of sUAS will help field agents do their job safely and effectively. The three sUAS models should deliver vital sensory and visual data to agents on the ground. Each model has a proven track record in military operations for surveillance and Force Protection missions. The sUAS program is fully compliant with all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, policies and laws. USBP will operationally test the sUAS under an approved Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the FAA and USBP. The MOA in place maximizes risk avoidance to commercial and general aviation traffic in the National Airspace System. All sUAS are to operate under a 400-foot ceiling. In addition, USBP has an approved MOA with CBP’s Air and Marine Operations further addressing operational risk avoidance in day-to-day operations.