WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security has issued a bulletin warning police agencies about drones’ potential to be used as weapons to advance terrorist and criminal attacks in the United States.
The bulletin, which went out on July 31, noted that as drones gain wider appeal with recreational users, the rising trend in unmanned aircraft incidents within national airspace will continue.
The notice came out shortly before two drones flew dangerously close to a Jet Blue plane and a Delta Air Lines aircraft at JFK airport in New York, KTBS.com reports.
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Security experts, such as Kevin Mellott of ERASE Enterprise, a provider of high-risk safety and security services, note that drone sales are increasing, with some advanced models costing just $1,200.
Mellott noted that it will be imperative for police agencies to think about how drones could interfere with safety measures while trying to secure a facility.
Although DHS’ bulletin mentions that many drone encounters reported across the nation are not malicious in nature, they certainly highlight potential security vulnerabilities.
The bulletin does not mention any specific upcoming events authorities are concerned about, but points to the overall security challenges that drones present.
