WASHINGTON — A coalition of national public safety associations is calling on Congress to grant state and local law enforcement and corrections agencies the authority to counter drones used for criminal purposes.
In a joint letter sent to congressional leaders on Aug. 20, 17 organizations — including the American Correctional Association, the Major Cities Chiefs Association and the National Sheriffs’ Association — urged lawmakers to move beyond pilot programs and establish a comprehensive counter-unmanned aircraft systems (cUAS) framework.
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Rising drone threats
The groups warn that the misuse of drones is no longer a hypothetical concern. Agencies nationwide have reported drones being used to smuggle drugs, weapons and cellphones into correctional facilities, disrupt tactical operations, and interfere with emergency aircraft during wildfires and flood rescues.
“Detection without mitigation is not a viable strategy for public safety,” the letter states, arguing that while some federal funding has supported detection systems, agencies lack the legal authority to act against unlawful flights.
The letter also highlights upcoming major public events — including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the America 250 celebrations and the 2028 Summer Olympics — as potential targets for drone misuse, stressing that state and local agencies must be equipped to respond.
Push for lasting authority
The coalition is asking Congress to pass legislation that would:
- Provide permanent authority for state and local agencies to detect, track, identify and mitigate unlawful drones.
- Establish national standards, training and oversight to ensure operations respect constitutional rights.
- Ensure all 50 states have access to these authorities, rather than limiting them to a handful of pilot sites.
Federal action on drones
The letter comes against the backdrop of a broader federal push to expand drone operations. In June, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on drones aimed at accelerating the integration of unmanned aircraft into the national airspace, boosting domestic production and expanding exports of U.S.-made drones.
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The order directed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fast-track rules allowing Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations — a step seen as critical for commercial and public safety applications. Earlier in August, Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced a proposed BVLOS rule that would remove the need for case-by-case waivers, with FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford calling the change “essential to unlocking the full societal and economic benefits of drones.”
The road ahead
While federal initiatives focus on expanding drone use for industry and public safety, state and local agencies remain limited in their ability to stop unlawful activity. Public safety leaders say that the imbalance leaves communities vulnerable.
“Now is the time to act to provide law enforcement with the authority and tools necessary to meet this moment,” the coalition wrote.
The letter was signed by associations representing thousands of police officers, sheriffs, corrections officials and federal agents.
