Law enforcement aim to employ drones in search, rescue events
March 29, 2018
Three local experts discussed how local governments use drones for science and public safety, as well as issues recreational users should keep in mind when operating on the Palouse on Tuesday.
Tony Bean, executive director of Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport, said when flying drones for recreation, it’s important that people look around where they are going to fly them. He suggested researching the legality of using a drone in the area and checking the distance between the drone and an airport.
“There is an app that you can download from the app store that tells you where you are,” Bean said. “It gives you recommendations on how high you should be flying, and also your proximity to the airport.”
Bean said there are restrictions for drones in certain places, such as near stadiums during football games.
“National parks, nuclear power plants and presidential travel — you are not going to have a drone anywhere around that,” Bean said. “If you are in Washington, D.C., it’s not a straight and shot, because of all of the temporary flight restrictions after 9/11. They can’t get close to anything.”
Pullman Police officer Alex Gordon said they use drones to protect the public and to gather visual information.
“Our mission is to enhance safety and life-saving measures through use of technology,” Gordon said (Full Article).