DronesUsing drones in law enforcement work

Using unmanned flight systems for domestic surveillance can provide emergency responders information during fires, earthquakes, storms, and man-made disasters, said John Hill, director of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. Hill gave introductory remarks last week at a domestic operations exposition by Indiana State University’s aviation technology department and the Indiana National Guard’s 181st intelligence Wing at Terre Haute International Airport-Hulman Field. The expo brought together civilian and military organizations to share awareness of the technology, equipment, and capability each is equipped with that may help first responders and officials respond to civilian disasters.

“Each of the pieces of equipment is expensive and not every unit can afford, in their budget, to buy everything. The idea is for groups to walk around and see what the other group has and understand their capability,” said Richard Baker, director of ISU’s Center for Unmanned Systems and Human Capital Development.

The Tribune-Star reports that technologies on display included drones, communication equipment, heat-sensing equipment for searches, a medical unit, and a search and extraction unit that can provide mortuary capabilities. “When something happens, we can leverage that capability by knowing who to call,” Baker said. He added that due to lack of awareness, unmanned systems are rarely considered an option during disasters “because no one knew who to call.”

“When the unmanned system gets there, it is too heavy or it is too tall or they want something that will fly and it is in an area that still has a storm. The idea is how … we find the right technology and the right people to respond to those disasters in the future,” Baker added.

Since the Federal Aviation Administration has yet to issue rules and guidelines on operating unmanned flights in disaster areas, state agencies are uncertain about the legality of unmanned flight missions within their jurisdictions. For now, unmanned systems can work on the ground. Hill points to systems the state obtained in 2005 through DHS grants to deal with explosive ordnance devices. Hill anticipates that within a few years, unmanned systems will be used regularly to battle wildfires, provide escape routes, and help law enforcement. “We have to show the value that these devices bring to help us do our jobs better and not encroach on the privacy of individuals,” Hill said.

The general public is open to the use of unmanned systems when informed about their use. A recent survey “showed that 57 percent of the general public supports the use of unmanned systems,” Hill said. “Also, 88 percent of the general public support the use in search and rescue operations, and 67 percent support it in homeland security missions.”