Arlington to fly drones for safety on Inauguration Day (original) (raw)

Arlington County, the Northern Virginia region across the Potomac River from Washington, said it will operate drones at places throughout the county on Monday as part of Inauguration Day safety and security measures.

Authorities have announced heightened security for the inauguration, but the Arlington announcement appears to be if not the first, at least one of the first by a local jurisdiction to describe the deployment of drones.

Unexplained sightings of the aerial devices had become a matter of considerable public interest at the close of last year and evoked many expressions of concern.

In describing preparations for major public events this month, authorities have appeared to try to provide general reassurance and in particular to prepare residents for drone sightings at strategic places and moments.

In Tuesday’s announcement, Arlington County said its police department, and its “regional partners” in law enforcement, “will operate Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, at various locations throughout Arlington County.”

Flights would begin in early morning and continue through late Tuesday night, according to the announcement. Hours were listed as 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

In detailing preparations for major public events this month, including the funeral of former president Jimmy Carter, authorities appear to be considering the need to prepare the public for the appearance of drones.

In a briefing before the funeral, a secret service official said his agency would use drones as part of a comprehensive security plan and advised residents not to be alarmed if the devices are seen at events or during training.

Several police agencies in the area either use drones or have reported plans to do so. However, sightings of drones are not routine in Arlington County.

“Drones are not permitted to fly over Arlington County except for very limited circumstances,” the county said.

It has coordinated the drone flights with the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Aviation Administration and Reagan National Airport, Arlington said.

However, the county said that “operational security” prevented it from providing in advance specific locations “where the drones will be surveying.”

Despite the special plans for Monday, Arlington County is a No Drone Zone, and recreational drone flights are prohibited.

Parts of Arlington are geographically closer to the site of Tuesday’s swearing-in ceremony than many parts of the District itself, and the approaches to major highway bridges leading into Washington are in Arlington.

“The safety and security of the residents, visitors and businesses of the National Capital Region remains our top priority,” the county said.