Dear Administrator Bedford and Mr. McKenna,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to urge the Federal Aviation Administration to exercise the authority explicitly granted under Section 363 of the 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act, which permits the Administrator to authorize unmanned aircraft systems (drones) with de-escalatory capabilities for use by trained law enforcement.
Every day, officers across this country are sent into unpredictable and life-threatening situations, often with limited information and little time to prepare and equip themselves when responding, which may pose a serious risk to their own lives and those of the public. The idea is simple: send in a drone instead of sending in an officer when there is a credible threat to life. These are the moments when every second counts and every decision can be the difference between life and death. A non-lethal drone can assess, intervene, or delay, thereby creating critical space and time without immediately placing a human in the line of fire.
The 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act permits the FAA Administrator to “authorize” drones with de-escalatory capabilities by providing a clear regulatory pathway for safe, effective, de-escalation solutions, or even studying the capabilities available. A lack of action from previous Administrations has left life-saving technology inaccessible to the very first responders who need it most. We respectfully request that the FAA announce a program in which U.S. manufactured non-lethal incapacitating mechanisms, operated by trained and recognized law enforcement partners, can seek authorization for deployment of drones in a controlled pilot or study program.
Law enforcement officers need tools that reflect the modern threats we face, not just for our protection, but for the protection of those we serve. We strongly request that such a pathway be provided without delay, for the sake of the safety of both the public and law enforcement.
On behalf of the more than 382,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I thank you both for considering our views on this important matter. If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in our Washington, D.C. office.
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President