Rep. Troy E. Nehls Introduces the Drone Research and Innovation for Law Enforcement Act of 2023
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) introduced the bipartisan Drone Research and Innovation for Law Enforcement Act of 2023, which would establish a pilot research program within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the use of non-lethal de-escalation unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for law enforcement officers, leading to safer outcomes for officers and the communities they serve.
Every time a law enforcement officer leaves for work and begins their shift, they put their lives on the line to protect and serve their community. Advances in technology present a new opportunity to mitigate the risk for both our law enforcement officers as well as citizens involved in high-risk scenarios. The use of de-escalation drones would allow law enforcement officers to cover a larger distance in a shorter amount of time, drastically changing public safety outcomes.
The devices used in the pilot research program would be manufactured in the United States to help foster the continued innovation of American-made technology and reduce the reliance on Chinese-manufactured unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
“As a former law enforcement officer, I know all too well the dangers our nation’s law enforcement officers face every day to protect their communities,” said Congressman Nehls. “Allowing law enforcement officers to use non-lethal drones to de-escalate high-risk situations is nothing but common sense. It is imperative that those who put their lives on the line to serve us are equipped with the tools they need to protect communities across the nation. I will always support my brothers and sisters in blue.”
“With record-high levels of violent crime in our country, our law enforcement officers need every available resource to keep our communities safe,” said Congressman Finstad. “Drones and other non-lethal de-escalation technologies ensure that our officers can do their jobs safely and effectively, and ultimately result in safer outcomes. I’m proud to help introduce this legislation, which will help give law enforcement greater access to the technologies that increase safety for officers and the communities they protect.”
“For the sake of our communities and public protectors, we must use all tools available to improve public safety. The bipartisan Drone Research and Innovation for Law Enforcement Act of 2023 will reduce the risk of deadly encounters by leveraging non-lethal technology to de-escalate potential conflicts,” said Congressman Davis. “By using drone technology, we can take a meaningful step toward enhancing the safety of the American people.”
Cosponsors of the Drone Research and Innovation for Law Enforcement Act of 2023 include Representatives Wesley Hunt (R-TX-38), Brad Finstad (R-MN-01), Michael Guest (R-MS-03), Don Davis (D-NC-05), and Clay Higgins (R-LA-03).