The Promise and Challenge of Drones in Homeland Security

Abstract

This chapter explores how homeland security agencies can use unmanned aircraft, or drones, as tools to help them perform their public safety missions while earning the support and trust of the communities they serve for the use of this controversial technology. This chapter discusses the applications for drones in public safety and homeland security while also identifying limitations and challenges to their use in government operations. This chapter presents the current state of the law surrounding drone use by government agencies, particularly the police, along with published recommendations on drone implementation and trust-building practices. The author presents the drone-specific recommendations of groups like the International Association of Chiefs of Police, American Civil Liberties Union, and Community Oriented Policing Office of the United States Department of Justice. The author also provides a recommended process to follow for law enforcement and homeland security leaders looking to implement drone programs using evidence-based practices to earn the trust of their citizens.

Citation

Schwartz, S.C. (2021), "The Promise and Challenge of Drones in Homeland Security", Landahl, M.R. and Thornton, T.E. (Ed.) The Role of Law Enforcement in Emergency Management and Homeland Security (Community, Environment and Disaster Risk Management, Vol. 24), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 275-289. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2040-726220210000024015