DHS hosts meeting to address illicit use of unmanned aerial systems

On September 17, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson brought together leadership from across the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Departments of Defense, Justice, Transportation, and Interior, the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Park Police, U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department to discuss ongoing collaborative efforts to address aviation security safety issues created by the illicit use of unmanned aerial systems in the National Capital Region.

Following recent incidents at the White House and the U.S. Capitol, Secretary Johnson issued a memorandum to public safety leadership in the National Capital Region that established a DHS-led intergovernmental working group. The working group is tasked with coordinating a whole-of-community response in detecting, classifying, and mitigating threats from Unmanned Aerial Systems. Today’s discussion provided an update on the working group’s efforts.

During the meeting, Secretary Johnson reiterated the Department’s commitment to addressing challenges with other federal agencies, and to closing gaps in security vulnerabilities. Secretary Johnson directed the working group to continue with a coordinated risk and threat assessment, monitoring technological developments, public outreach regarding the prohibition of Unmanned Aerial Systems in the National Capital Region, and refinement of law enforcement operating procedures in the National Capital Region.

The next meeting is scheduled for January 2016 in order to provide updates on progress.

Source: DHS