13 Industries That Would Be Impacted by New Federal Drone Detection Recommendations

13 Industries That Would Be Impacted by New Federal Drone Detection Recommendations

As the increase in drone activity rises, so do the unintended consequences and nefarious uses.

The proposed recommendations outlined in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Detection and Mitigation Systems Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) Final Report, released on Jan. 9 by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in conjunction with over 50 members from all facets of industries, have significant advantages and disadvantages for various industries. These industries include construction, industrial, sporting stadiums, law enforcement, campus security, medical facilities, state prison facilities, energy infrastructure, airports, home security systems, corporate espionage, realtors, air shows, festivals, races, cruise/travel industry, and many more.

Law enforcement agencies and campus security departments are increasingly relying on drones for surveillance and situational awareness. However, the misuse of drones can compromise public safety and violate privacy rights. The recommendations from the proposal can assist law enforcement and campus security personnel in identifying and neutralizing unauthorized drones, ensuring the responsible and lawful use of this technology.

Medical facilities, such as hospitals and clinics and those that have helicopter pads, need to maintain a secure environment to protect patient privacy and ensure the smooth operation of healthcare services. Drone interference can disrupt the need for expedient transport of patients from airborne medical transport, sensitive medical equipment, or compromise patient confidentiality. By implementing the proposed detection, medical facilities can safeguard their operations and provide uninterrupted care to patients.

Sporting stadiums, known for hosting large gatherings of people, need to prioritize security. Drones flying over stadiums, violating temporary flight restrictions (TFRs), can not only disrupt the event but also pose a safety risk to spectators. The implementation of detection and systems can aid in identifying unauthorized drones and taking appropriate action to protect the safety and enjoyment of attendees.

State prison facilities face unique challenges when it comes to drone interference. Unauthorized drones can be used to deliver contraband or aid in escape attempts. Since geofencing only outlines immediate boundaries of specific buildings, detection systems are a must to help prison authorities detect and neutralize drones, thereby enhancing the security of these facilities.

In the construction industry, the use of drones has become increasingly popular for surveying, monitoring construction sites, and capturing aerial footage for marketing purposes. However, without proper detection, unauthorized drones can pose a threat to worker safety, project security, and the integrity of the construction site. Some construction companies have outright banned any use of drones by company personnel and contract with third-party companies. Implementing the recommendations from this proposal can help ensure the safe and secure operation of drones in construction zones.

Similarly, industrial facilities face risks from unauthorized drone activity. These facilities often contain sensitive equipment, hazardous materials, or critical infrastructure that could be targeted by malicious drone operators. By adopting the proposed detection and possible mitigation systems if approved by the FCC, industrial facilities can enhance their security measures and mitigate potential risks and threats.

Energy infrastructure, including power plants and oil refineries, is critical to the functioning of modern society which is why they are classified as ‘critical infrastructure.’ Drones can pose a significant risk to such facilities, either through intentional attacks or accidental interference. The adoption of detection and FCC-approved mitigation systems can bolster the security measures already in place and protect these vital assets from potential threats.

Airports, being hubs of transportation, are vulnerable to drone activity. Unauthorized drones near airports can disrupt air traffic, endangering the safety of passengers and crew. By implementing the recommendations from the proposal, airports can enhance their existing security protocols and ensure the safe operation of flights.

Home security systems, designed to protect residences and personal property, can be enhanced with drone detection systems. These systems can help homeowners identify and respond to unauthorized drones, ensuring the safety and privacy of their homes.

Corporate espionage is a growing concern for businesses across various industries. Drones equipped with cameras and advanced surveillance capabilities can be used to gather sensitive information or conduct unauthorized reconnaissance. The adoption of detection systems can help organizations protect their intellectual property and maintain their competitive advantage.

Realtors, who often rely on aerial photography and videography for property listings, can benefit from the implementation of drone detection systems. Unauthorized drones flying near properties can compromise the privacy of homeowners and potential buyers. By adopting the proposed systems, realtors can ensure a secure and uninterrupted environment for property viewings.

Air shows, festivals, and races are popular events that attract large crowds. The presence of unauthorized drones can not only disrupt these events but also pose a safety risk to participants and spectators. Implementing the recommendations from the proposal can help event organizers maintain controlled airspace and ensure the safety of everyone involved.

The cruise and travel industry, which relies on the smooth operation of ports and terminals, can face disruptions from unauthorized drone activity. Drones flying near cruise ships or passenger terminals can create safety hazards and logistical challenges. By implementing the proposed detection systems, the cruise and travel industry can enhance their security measures and provide a safe and enjoyable experience for passengers.

In conclusion, the recommendations from the UAS Detection and FCC Mitigation Systems ARC Final Report have far-reaching advantages and disadvantages for various industries. By adopting the proposed detection and FCC-approved mitigation systems, these industries can enhance their security measures, protect their assets, and ensure the safety and privacy of their operations and stakeholders.


Greg MacMaster is a former Michigan State Representative and was part of the formation of the UAS Task Force. At the height of when drones were starting to become a frequent occurrence over prisons, he was the Chairman of the Michigan Department of Corrections from 2013-2014. MacMaster is also the president of Eagle Eye Media, Drone Sky Defender.

Note: The views expressed by guest bloggers and contributors are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, Campus Safety.

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Tazewell County, Va., Storm Knocks Out 911 Power – Government Technology

Tazewell County, Va., Storm Knocks Out 911 Power – Government Technology

The county had to declare a temporary local emergency for 911 communications, due to the loss of the primary tower, until a new tower is installed at the primary site. Communications was re-established on temporary sites.

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(TNS) – County supervisors have declared a temporary local emergency so the officials can replace a fallen communications town quickly by skipping the usual procurement advertising and bid process.

Tazewell County Administrator Eric Young spoke Wednesday about replacing an important communications tower that was knocked down Feb. 28.

“Last week Tazewell County lost its primary communications tower on Morris Knob in a windstorm,” Young said. “Communications for law enforcement, emergency medical services and fire protection were re-established on alternate temporary sites. However, the county has declared a temporary local emergency for 911 communications, due to the loss of the primary tower, until a new tower at the primary site may be installed.

Morris Knob’s tower also served Tazewell County’s Wireless Services Authority’s wireless internet systems for Tannersville and Thompson Valley, Young said. The system is operated through a public/private partnership with the company Gigabeam.

Immediately after the storm, Tazewell County focused its resources on re-establishing emergency communications, Young said. However, the county also has been working with Gigabeam to install a new tower on the Morris Knob site.

“Due to the hazards and complexities of the work, installation firms are few and busy,” he said.

Tuesday night the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors authorized Young to use emergency procurement procedures to buy the new tower and have it installed without the usual procurement advertising and bid evaluation process.

The board expressed its desire to restore service as soon as possible, Young said.

Sheriff Brian Hieatt said Wednesday that he was at the 911 center after the tower fell.

“We had a large windstorm and it knocked one of the towers over,” Hieatt said. “This was on the main ones for one section of the county. The day right after that happened, we had people working around the clock to get communications back up. After it happened we didn’t go without any communications.”

Tazewell 911 has full communications, Hieatt said. The Gigabeam service is down in the area it served in Tazewell County.

People who depend on the internet might not have cellphone service until the Gigabeam system, which the company is working on, is fixed. Hieatt said this impacted around 60 customers.

“As far as police, fire and rescue, everything is working fine right now and we’ve got county emergency coordinators that have been working to get a replacement tower and get everything back to full function the way it was,” Hieatt said.

There was rain and wind in Tazewell County about 3 p.m. Feb. 28, but the weather up on Morris Knob included sleet and high winds, Hieatt said.

“When you have some heavy wind and rain here, it’s a whole lot worse up there,” he added.

Major Harold Heatley, who has been working with Tazewell County 911, said the county was working with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and Verizon to bring in a COW — cellular on wheels — a portable communications tower which is usually deployed during natural disasters.

“We are waiting to see if we’re going to be approved for COW and then the board of supervisors approved emergency procurement last night,” Heatley said.

“And we have gone ahead with a contract to begin construction of a new tower and new instruments and hope to have it up as soon as weather allows. This is very weather dependent.”

The inclement weather could break Sunday and work on the tower could begin that day or this coming Monday if parts are available, Heatley said.

— Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com

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©2024 the Bluefield Daily Telegraph (Bluefield, Va.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Covington County Sheriff’s Office (MS) Completes Implementation of Caliber Public Safety Suite

Covington County Sheriff’s Office (MS) Completes Implementation of Caliber Public Safety Suite

Lenox has given final approval to plans to build a $25 million public safety complex. (MA)

Lenox has given final approval to plans to build a $25 million public safety complex. (MA)

LENOX — The town’s plan for a $25 million public safety complex is a go.

The Zoning Board of Appeals on Wednesday gave unanimous approval to the site plan for the project, paving the way for construction of the new facilities for the police and fire departments and Lenox Ambulance EMS to begin this spring. Completion is expected by the end of 2025.

“I’m 110 percent in favor,” longtime ZBA member Jedd Hall said of the “long overdue” complex.

“It’s a great location, a great project,” he said. “It will improve everything and streamline police and fire for public safety.”

Work on Lenox's $25 million public safety complex is ready to begin. There's just one last step

Addressing the need for a new facility has been a work in progress for 10 years, as the police and fire departments have long outgrown their current downtown headquarters. Funding was approved unanimously by special town meeting voters in December 2022.

The 5-acre construction site area is at the northeast intersection of Housatonic Street and Route 7/20 on 19.6 acres of commercially zoned and vacant woodlands that contained a gravel pit and quarry from the 1920s through the 1960s.

The building will be topped by a 150-foot transmission tower for police, fire and ambulance emergency services, expanding the reach of public safety radio and wireless communications, with future capacity for any other town needs.


The Lenox Fire station

The Lenox Fire Station (red roof) is located next to Town Hall in an obsolete, cramped facility dating from 1909. The town’s zoning board has approved a $25 million public safety complex at the northeast intersection of Route 7/20 and Housatonic Street. Construction is expected to begin this spring.

Nearby resident Kate McNulty-Vaughan pointed out that the tower would be ideal for co-location by a wireless cellphone carrier in order to improve widespread low- and no-signal areas in the town.

“It would be wonderful if we could piggyback on that to improve cell service in the town,” ZBA Chairman Robert Fuster Jr. agreed. Any wireless carrier would need a zoning board special permit and a two-thirds voter approval at a town meeting.

Hall also supported the potential wireless carrier use of the transmission tower, pointing to useless signals in Lenox Dale, where he lives.

Fuster called the project “excellent, very much needed” and commended Police Chief Stephen O’Brien and Fire Chief Chris O’Brien for their patience during the many years required to locate and approve a site.

There are no endangered species nor wetland concerns within the purview of the Conservation Commission at the location, said Carlos Nieto, landscape specialist from Berkshire Design Group of Northampton, hired by the town to prepare the site plan.

The design calls for energy-efficient, downward-facing lighting, dimmed unless triggered by sensors, sparing neighbors from any impact, he said.

The only access to the facility will be a driveway from Housatonic Street opposite Caligari’s Hardware.

The facility can accommodate expansion for several additional employees in each public safety department, if and when needed, said Jim Hanifan of Caolo & Bieniek Architects in Chicopee.

ZBA member Kimberly Duval, who later voted in favor of the project, voiced strong appreciation for the town’s police and fire departments, but wondered “why this is necessary or prudent in any way in this climate of rising construction costs, why we need to be building a new facility, cutting down a forest, working around vernal pools and a ledge … to meet the needs of a town that’s not growing.”


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Firefighter Josh Romero, left, and Deputy Chief Jason Saunders wash Engine 1 at the Lenox firehouse in June 2021. The obsolete 1909 downtown fire station, where new equipment has to be special-ordered to fit the cramped space, will be replaced by a new public safety complex soon to be constructed on Route 7/20.

Stephen O’Brien responded that “we need more space,” noting the police force is in the process of staffing up from nine to 13 and from four cruisers to six. “What we have is totally outdated, and this is the obvious way to go.”

Select Board Chairman Edward Lane pointed out that four other sites for a new facility were explored. But this location turned out to be the best spot, second only to a Brushwood Farm location that was unusable because of wetland issues.

He described the current Town Hall basement housing the police department as “woefully inadequate for any kind of modern police work.” Lane also noted that special firetrucks have to be acquired to fit in the obsolete 1909 fire station next to Town Hall.

And ZBA member Arthur Oliver noted that “it’s easier to start over and build something new than to fix something that’s not fixable.”

During public comment, resident Michael Wilser of nearby Stone Ledge Road inquired about the impact of potential blasting during construction.

Lenox voters kill a proposed wireless communications bylaw. They back $70 million for a wastewater plant upgrade and a new public safety complex

Nieto said it appears blasting is not expected to be necessary.

The replacement for the outmoded fire station, as well as the code-challenged police station and ambulance garage in the basement of Town Hall, will be financed through a federally subsidized, long-term 30- or 40-year loan.

While there’s no plan yet for the vacated police and fire stations, Town Manager Christopher Ketchen has said that the $25 million “all-in” project cost includes provisions for necessary alterations and upgrades at those downtown sites for potential reuse.

Celebrating UCF Public Safety’s 2023 Achievements (FL)

Celebrating UCF Public Safety’s 2023 Achievements (FL)

UCF Public Safety celebrated the achievements of officers, staff members and community partners at their annual awards ceremony hosted by the former voice of the Knights, Erik Kohler.

Each year, the department recognizes winners of their life-saving and Of the Year awards — who are featured more in depth below. Winners of commendations, community partnership awards and physical abilities awards are also recognized at the ceremony.

After being nominated and voted on by their peers, winners were selected and reviewed by award committee members.

2023 Of the Year and Life-saving Award Winners

Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), Clery Compliance Analyst Debbie Pope (middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Civilian Employee of the Year: Debbie Pope

Debbie Pope has one of the most difficult positions in the department, yet seems to manage it with ease and grace. She studied vigorously to attain her Clery Compliance Officer Certification — becoming the first person to ever achieve this prestigious status at UCF — and has successfully created and launched a Clery Compliance Webcourses training module. To determine who needed to take this required training, she led the effort for the Campus Security Authority (CSA) Identification project, working alongside HR and Compliance to review thousands of job codes at UCF to identify potential CSAs on campus. Pope is fiercely passionate about coordinating fundraising events to support Special Olympics and has worked with them on both a local and national level to bring ideas and enthusiasm to their mission.

Civilian Supervisor of the Year: Michael Charles
Dispatch Supervisor Michael Charles. (Photo courtesy of the UCF Police Department)

Michael Charles has been a part of the public safety team for more than 20 years, consistently leading by example. With staffing shortages plaguing the UCF Police Department (UCFPD)’s Communications Center, he was always available to cover shifts, even canceling a weeklong planned vacation to assist with coverage. He racked up over 400 hours of overtime, with more than 50 12-hour shifts. Charles has provided critical training to several new dispatchers, often while also taking calls on night shift, and regularly checks in with his teammates both personally and professionally.

Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), officer Roman Watkins (middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Crisis Intervention Officer of the Year: Roman Watkins

Mental health is a growing concern, as we have seen those in our community struggle more than ever before. Officer Roman Watkins has been involved with multiple de-escalations, with the most noteworthy one being his response to a student who was threatening to jump off of a campus parking garage. Once on scene, Officer Watkins established a rapport with the individual by listening to what was troubling him. The student agreed to a voluntary Baker Act but was worried about his family not being able to contact him. Officer Watkins went above and beyond and, after getting permission, contacted the student’s mother to tell her where he would be and how she could get ahold of him.

Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), dispatcher Tiffany Ortiz (middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Dispatcher of the Year: Tiffany Ortiz

Dispatchers are an invaluable asset that not only affect their agency and its officers, but also members of the public who depend on that voice on the other end of the phone in an emergency. Since joining UCFPD in 2022, Tiffany Ortiz has made a significant impact in the two years she has been here. She is always willing to fill in due to staffing shortages and recently earned a certification to assist with training new dispatchers. Ortiz received several nominations, all of which praised her calm demeanor and ability to relay information quickly and effectively, often before officers even ask.

Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), officer Matheus Flores (left middle), officer Jeffrey Hopkins (right middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
DUI Officers of the Year: Matheus Flores and Jeffrey Hopkins

It’s up to all of us to keep our roads safe, and UCFPD is committed to stopping impaired driving on campus and in the surrounding area. The DUI Officer of the Year award is given based on statistics, and this year was a tie between officers Matheus Flores and Jeffrey Hopkins, who both had five DUI arrests each in 2023. While this number may not seem exceptionally large, these types of arrests are often limited due to UCFPD’s jurisdictional boundaries and participation in county-wide details. Impaired drivers can forever change the lives of hundreds of people in a fatal crash, but because of the efforts of these two officers, 10 of them never had the chance.

Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), officer Matheus Flores (middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Field Training Officer of the Year: Matheus Flores

UCFPD has high expectations for their new officers and provides them with a robust training program that includes eight weeks of classroom work followed by three months of field training with an experienced officer. Officer Matheus Flores consistently volunteers every rotation, whether for a full phase or just for a few days to give other field training officers a break. He is a wealth of knowledge for our new officers due to his experience on patrol, and brings a unique perspective to the role thanks to his stint with the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation.

From left to right: Maj. Derrick Stockdreher, Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS, officer Lee Smith, Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow, Cmdr. Pete Osterrieder. (Photo by UCF Public Safety)
Officer of the Year: Lee Smith

It was clear from the start that when officer Lee Smith joined UCFPD, he had an immeasurable heart of service and a willingness to always try to do the right thing. He excelled in 2023 — from becoming a patrol investigator and Field Training Officer to receiving his certification as a drone operator. He found his niche by enforcing traffic laws on our campus and holding violators accountable for dangerous driving, which is critical to public safety on a campus with thousands of vehicles and pedestrians every day. In 2023, Smith completed 780 traffic stops, issued 683 traffic citations and made 28 traffic-related arrests as a result. Due to his enforcement, he effectively changed the driving patterns of our campus community to a safer and law-abiding environment.

Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), Luz Garcia (middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Partner of the Year: Luz Garcia

Luz Garcia is responsible for keeping UCFPD in tip-top shape. She always has a smile on her face and is kind to everyone she meets. Often required to work holidays and over breaks, she goes out of her way to ensure everyone has what they need and isn’t afraid to alert her supervisors if she notices something wrong in the building. One nomination cited an example when she came rushing over to help clean up a spill and insisted the person leave to go pick up their child from school while she took care of the mess.

Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), officer Andres Carbone (middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Rookie of the Year: Andres Carbone

Although law enforcement is not new to officer Andres Carbone, in his brief time here at UCF he has quickly become one of the most proactive officers in the agency. As a Drug Recognition Expert, he consistently volunteers his time for DUI cases and frequently assists in setting up training for his squad. He has worked closely with our detectives on cases to sharpen his investigative skills and has expressed interest in threat management training. Officer Carbone has brought experience from previous agencies and applied it to ours, contributing to the success of our department and officers.

Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), Sgt. Pete Stephens (middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Sworn Supervisor of the Year: Pete Stephens

Sgt. Pete Stephens officially oversees a small team of civilian employees but also supervises countless officers working traffic and special event details. Often called the “backbone of the department” and the “hardest working guy in the building,” he is pivotal in ensuring campus events are staffed, often volunteering for details himself when there are not enough officers to fill spots and providing extensive manual labor to ensure successful and safe events. He is incredibly busy, but always willing to lend a hand or support his team. Stephens is an exceptional problem-solver — probably due to his love of puzzles and Wordle — and always willing to work with others to produce creative solutions to issues.

In addition to their regular duties and case load, this remarkable four-person team has maintained and built relationships with campus and community partners, presented and attended several conferences and meetings across the state and more. (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Team of the Year: Threat Management (Bianca Becker, Allura Bennett, Delaney Kirwin-Moore, Frank Imparato)

Keeping the UCF campus safe and secure is a big job, and one we do not take lightly at UCF Public Safety. That’s why we assess all potential threats and persons of concerns that are reported to us and the university. For the past year, this four-person team has a true passion for the work they do. They were instrumental in maintaining the level of care and service the team is expected to, while also developing it for the better. These individuals have maintained and built relationships with campus and community partners, presented at 12 different college campuses, attended the Master Trainer program, presented and attended several conferences and meetings across the state — all on top of their regular duties and case load.

Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), Sgt. Alan Elliot (middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Life-saving award: Alan Elliot, Katie Marts, Dan Ryley

A student sustained life-threatening injuries after crashing headfirst into a brick wall while riding an electric scooter near the Recreation and Wellness Center. Sgt. Alan Elliot and officer Dan Ryley were able to provide aid while waiting for Orange County Fire Rescue to arrive, including clearing the patient’s airway several times and applying direct pressure to his wound. Officer Katie Marts was also on-scene to check for any additional injuries and provide support. The patient was ultimately transported as a trauma alert to the hospital in critical, unstable condition, where his family was told that he likely would not have survived without the aid provided by officers.

Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), officer Anthony Mancuso (middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Life-saving award: Anthony Mancuso

When a fatigued student crashed into a light pole on campus and flipped her vehicle, officer Anthony Mancuso sprang into action. The student was uninjured in the crash, but fluid was leaking from the car with live wires nearby. After assessing the situation, Mancuso quickly began punching the windshield with only a gloved hand to rescue her and suffered significant cuts in the process. He was later transported to the hospital and received several stitches.