DHS Tests Counter-Drone Mitigation Systems With Local Law Enforcement

DHS moved expanded counter-UAS authority into practical field evaluation by having first responders test commercially available mitigation systems. The assessment gives participating agencies experience with equipment before purchasing decisions and anticipated federal procurement grants.

City and county law enforcement buyers need to evaluate counter-drone equipment alongside training, certification and federal authorization requirements. The assessment offers operational exposure, but the reported information is not sufficient to compare products or establish their effectiveness.

DHS’s National Urban Security Technology Laboratory brought first responders to a federal test facility to assess commercial counter-drone mitigation systems against several drones under operational conditions. The exercise connects expanded counter-UAS authority with practical equipment evaluation as agencies prepare for upcoming federal procurement grants. For city and county officials, the distinction is between access to technology and authorization to use it. The SAFER SKIES Act extends certain authorities to qualified state, local, tribal and territorial law enforcement and correctional agencies, but does not permit unrestricted drone disabling. A joint DHS–Department of Justice rule effective July 1 sets requirements covering training, certification, approved technologies, airspace coordination, reporting and privacy. Local procurement planning therefore needs to account for operational suitability and federal authorization requirements together. The article reports the assessment, but provides no product-level findings or mitigation performance results.

Evidence supplied by DRONELIFE.