CBRNE & CT ATLANTIC BRIDGE (CAB) reposted this
At today's discussion at CBRNe Convergence in Charleston, on the FIFA World Cup 2026™ - Canada, Mexico and the United States the subject of drone interception was raised......In Counter-Drone Operations: Who Has the Authority? As drones become more capable — and more common — law enforcement agencies face new challenges in protecting the public, critical sites, and major events. But when it comes to countering drones, the issue isn’t just technical — it’s legal. In the United States, the airspace belongs to the federal government, and so does the authority to take direct counter-drone action. Under current law, only select federal agencies — including the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, and the U.S. Secret Service — are authorized to detect, disrupt, or neutralize drones that pose a threat. For state and local law enforcement, the mission is just as vital — but the role is different. At present, police departments cannot legally disable or intercept a drone, even when it’s operating dangerously. That restriction is being actively reviewed — new legislation may soon allow limited C-UAS authority for state and local agencies under federal oversight. A bill known as H.R. 5061 would reauthorize the Department of Homeland Security’s counter-UAS authority and create a pilot program allowing state and local law enforcement to participate in mitigation under federal supervision. The legislation also calls for training requirements, privacy protections, and standardized equipment approval processes. If approved, it would mark the first time state and local agencies could be directly integrated into national counter-drone operations, a significant development ahead of both the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games. Still, the bill’s passage remains uncertain in a divided Congress. For now, success depends on awareness, interagency coordination, and training. Understanding the legal boundaries before a crisis occurs ensures the right actions are taken — and keeps officers, community, and department protected. Agencies can: - Track, identify, and report drone activity. - Coordinate with federal partners during incidents. - Enforce local laws around trespass, privacy, and obstruction. What they cannot currently do is disable or take control of a drone — actions still restricted under federal communications and aviation law. The landscape is evolving quickly. Building partnerships, training, and situational awareness now will be key to staying ahead of the threat for the World Cup. Counter-UAS is not just a technology challenge — it’s a team effort. #CBRNeCharleston25 #CBRNCON25 #securitychallenges #airspace International Association of Chiefs of Police #federalcommunications #LawEnforcement #CounterUAS #DroneSecurity #PublicSafety #HomelandSecurity Jared Brody #AviationSafety #UAS #CBRN #eventsecurity #publicsafety #security LiveU Public Safety #counterdroneoperations