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further police actions may be required. Documentation of all incidents


is vitally important simply because what initially appears to be ‘hobby use’ might subsequently evolve into something more sinister. Given the complexities of the topic, the fol- lowing protocols are recommended when a law enforcement officer is sent to investigate any type of drone-related calls. Upon arrival, assess the situation


to determine whether or not a ‘drone’ is involved. If ‘yes,’ determine the identity of the complainant, nature of the complaint, and a description of the device. Try to locate the drone and its operator. Keep in mind that if the drone is being lawfully operated, an official police response may not be warranted. If a preliminary report appears jus-


tified, look for witnesses and inter- view them. What did the drone look like? Did it have any numbers or let- ters on it? What was it doing, and for how long? Did anyone spot the op- erator, or know his/her identity? Has this happened here before? If justified, photograph the drone whether it is airborne or on the ground. If the drone has crashed, treat it and the scene as a crime scene (especially if the operator does not self-identify). If possible, interview the drone operator and obtain as much infor- mation from him/her as lawfully appropriate. If a violation of federal, state or local law is suspected, take appropriate action. In cases of suspicious drone activity around or near critical infrastructure, or in cases where drones are equipped with infrared cameras, firearms, or explosives, notify the FBI immedi- ately. Send copies of any official writ- ten reports to the state intelligence fusion center, FBI, and the local FAA as soon as practical. Unless state or local laws have been broken, little if any enforcement will be required. Experts recommend that responding officers take good notes at the scene in case problems develop later. Hopefully, the unique initiative between NEORFC and Mercyhurst


University’s Drone Research Project will encourage similar efforts through- out the nation.


Chief J.T. McBride (ret.) is a special deputy (Lake County, Ohio) and certifi ed Terrorist


Liaison Officer (TLO). He teaches criminal justice courses at Lakeland Community and may be reached via chiefjtm@aol.com.


LaO Post your comments on this story by visiting www.lawandordermag.com


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